Manchester United have been urged to go after the signature of Yves Bissouma instead of paying an over-the-odds price for Declan Rice as a Paul Pogba replacement.
What’s the word?
That is according to Darren Bent on talkSPORT, via Manchester Evening News, with Bent claiming that the Brighton midfielder is a “gettable” signing for United this summer.
Bent was asked: “If Manchester United could secure one realistic signing this summer, who would it be and why?” The former Spurs striker answered with this:
“They need a holding midfield player. They should have got one of them a little while ago.”
And when asked about the possible move for Rice, Bent added: “I don’t think they [United] will stump up the money. West Ham look like they are happy to hold onto him. Someone I’d like to see them sign, I think he is a really good player, Yves Bissouma. I think he’s a top player at Brighton, I think he’s gettable as well.
“I think he would improve Manchester United because he’s not your average box-to-box midfielder, he can get about. I think he’s a top drawer midfielder and I would probably go out and get him.”
A Rice alternative
Quite simply, Bent has a point. Bissouma, who has been described as “exceptional” by Gary Lineker, would most certainly make for a rice nice alternative for the departing Pogba whose contract is up at the end of the season.
Should United sign Rice or Bissouma?
Rice
Bissouma
United have been tipped to move for Rice this summer and whilst both would make for astute replacements, Bissouma would prove to be the better value option at around £50m.
In terms of stats, despite being two years younger than the Mali international, the West Ham midfielder is the more well-rounded option who functions as a more metronomic midfielder – which is exactly what Manchester United need.
Though, they also need a defensively sound midfielder who is happy to sit and win-back possession, which is where Bissouma edges the 23-year-old England international due to his lack of intent to attack.
Both options are similar, with Bissouma’s match average of 2.48 interceptions almost matching up to Rice’s average of 2.72, but surpassing his total of 2.18 tackles per 90 with a match average of 3.29 tackles.
The margins are fine throughout almost all metrics apart from passing and possession stats, in which Rice runs away with it.
Both options have achieved better metrics than Pogba for almost everything apart from shot-creating actions this season, to which the France international betters them in.
But for the difference in price, Bent may have presented a perfect alternative for the West Ham star and an excellent replacement for Pogba.
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