Man Utd signing this 25-year-old Argentine would boost the midfield unit

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Rohan Sengupta

Why Manchester United should make a move for PSG’s Leandro Paredes

Manchester United have endured an inconsistent campaign under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The Red Devils’ campaign has been blighted by injuries to key players such as Paul Pogba, Scott McTominay and Marcus Rashford.

Pogba has not started a Premier League game since September as he continues to struggle with an ankle problem. McTominay, meanwhile, suffered knee ligament damage also during the Boxing Day win over Newcastle United.

Rashford is United’s top scorer with 17 goals across all competitions and his serious back injury has been a big blow for Solskjaer’s side, who have won just once in their last five league fixtures. Solskjaer did manage to strengthen his squad over January with the additions of Bruno Fernandes and Odion Ighalo, but on the larger picture, they are simply not enough.

Paris Saint-Germain's Argentinian forward Leandro Paredes looks on during the French L1 football match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Nimes Olympique (NO) at the Parc de Princes in Paris, on February 23, 2019. (Getty Images)
Paris Saint-Germain’s Argentinian forward Leandro Paredes looks on during the French L1 football match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Nimes Olympique (NO) at the Parc de Princes in Paris, on February 23, 2019. (Getty Images)

United are a staggering 38 points behind league leaders Liverpool and 16 points behind second-placed Manchester City. That simply tells the gulf of class between the Red Devils and their two biggest rivals in English football.

Regardless of Fernandes’ acquisition from Sporting Lisbon in January, Solskjaer’s squad still lack quality and depth in the midfield department. Thus, the Norwegian tactician should make it one of his priorities to reinforce the midfield once the transfer window opens in summer.

Back in December 2019, Argentinean outlet El Intransigente (h/t The Manchester Evening News) had claimed that United were interested in signing Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Leandro Paredes. However, no deal materialised in January and he stayed put with the Ligue 1 giants.

Leandro Paredes, 25, joined Paris Saint-Germain from Zenit Saint Petersburg in January 2019 and managed 16 Ligue 1 appearances in his debut campaign at the club. This season, however, the Argentinean has found limited game time due to the arrival of Idrissa Gueye, playing just 12 league games so far. In all, he has made 23 appearances, scoring and assisting a goal apiece.

Manchester United players celebrate after a goal. (Getty Images)
Manchester United players celebrate after a goal. (Getty Images)

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A defensive midfielder by trade, Paredes is more than capable of playing in various positions across the midfield. Such versatility would be a big plus for Solskjaer’s United, who lack quality and depth in the midfield department. A player of Paredes’ quality can help United to build a strong midfield along with the likes of Fred, McTominay, Pogba and Fernandes. The Argentina international has decent European experience as well and has got the required qualities to excel at Old Trafford.

Verdict

Paredes may have not been able to enjoy the game time he would have liked to at PSG this season, but there’s no doubting his quality and experience. He could bring stability and balance to United’s midfield, thus Solskjaer should plot a summer swoop for the 25-year-old Argentinean.