The summer transfer window in 2024 was an interesting time for the Old Trafford club. Under their newly appointed football hierarchy, the Red Devils made six key additions in an attempt to improve on their eighth-place performance under Erik ten Hag previous season. It has not gone as planned yet. As has frequently been the case with the Dutchman, United signed two players he coached at Ajax, Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui. They signed Joshua Zirkzee, De Ligt’s Netherlands international colleague, as well as Leny Yoro and Manuel Ugarte from Ligue 1 clubs Lille and PSG.

With Ten Hag’s future currently up in the air, it remains to be seen how United will plan ahead of the 2025 summer window, although they have been linked with one player who could add superb quality to their side. Man United target Bundesliga midfielder The player in question here is Bayern Munich and Germany international midfielder Jamal Musiala. The 21-year-old is regarded as one of the premium number 10s in world football and could be on his way out of the Allianz Arena within the next 18 months.

That is because his contract expires in 2026, and there are currently no signs that he will renew his current deal at the German giants. According to a report from The Mirror, via The Express last month, the German rejected the Bavarian club’s most recent contract proposal. Thus, United, along with arch-rivals Manchester City and Liverpool, North Londoners Arsenal and Spanish giants Real Madrid, are interested in signing the youngster. The report from September suggests he could cost upwards of £120m, which would be a record fee for all of the sides named above.

That is because his contract expires in 2026, and there are currently no signs that he will renew his current deal at the German giants. According to a report from The Mirror, via The Express last month, the German rejected the Bavarian club’s most recent contract proposal. Thus, United, along with arch-rivals Manchester City and Liverpool, North Londoners Arsenal and Spanish giants Real Madrid, are interested in signing the youngster. The report from September suggests he could cost upwards of £120m, which would be a record fee for all of the sides named above.

At just 21 years of age, Musiala’s quality is simply indisputable. He has already played 171 times for Bayern, scoring 46 times and grabbing 34 assists since his breakout term in 2020/21

This time around, the attacking midfielder has made a superb start to the season. He has already scored three goals and registered two assists in all competitions, with three of those strikes, plus one assist, coming in the German top flight. Should the Red Devils get the signing of Musiala over the line, they could have their dream replacement for Bruno Fernandes. United’s captain has been a shadow of himself this season and is yet to find the back of the net in 11 games. He does have four assists, although half of those came in the 7-0 Carabao Cup thrashing of Barnsley, and only one has come in the Premier League.

This time, the attacking midfielder has had an excellent start to the season. He has three goals and two assists in all competitions, with three of his hits and one assist coming in the German Bundesliga. If Musiala’s signing goes through, the Red Devils may have found their ideal successor for Bruno Fernandes.

The United skipper’s form is certainly a cause for concern for Red Devils fans, and signing a replacement within the next few seasons might be on the agenda. Fernandes is 30 years of age, and struggling to find his best form. Musiala could be the dream alternative. The pair are not necessarily the most competitive of players. Whilst the Portugal international is a high-volume passer in the final third, trying expansive through balls and smart passes from all over the pitch, Musiala is a superb dribbler, a player who glides past defenders and excels in short, sharp combination play and fluid rotations.

Having said that, comparing underlying numbers via Squawka can still provide insight into who is performing better this season. Musiala has generated 1.7 more chances per 90 minutes this season and completed more take-ons (3.3) than the Portugal star. Fernandes, on the other hand, only creates one chance and completes one take-on every game.

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