Currently, Manchester United’s midfield department looks like a hospital ward with so many injured or suspended players.
Manager Erik ten Hag will be in a difficult position to handle this crisis, given how important the next few weeks will be.
The FA Cup quarter-final against Fulham will take place on Sunday, followed by three extremely important Premier League matches.
The gap between the other rivals from the top four is narrowing, and it is important that United do not lag behind.
United’s midfield in ruins
Currently, the Red Devils do not have long-term absentees Donny Van de Beek and Christian Eriksen, and Casemiro is suspended. United do not have a high-quality backup for the Brazilian.
Adding to their woes, Scott McTominay is now in doubt for the Fulham game, and only Fred and the newly fit Marcel Sabitzer are the only options available to Ten Hag.
It is clear that the Reds need to strengthen in this crucial position before next season, but there are doubts about the transfer budget that will be available to the coach.
United’s priority is to bring in a striker and that could leave very little money for a midfielder. So far, all of their targets are expected to be worth a bomb, including deals with Jude Bellingham, Frankie de Jong and Declan Rice.
🇧🇪 Sélectionné pour la 1e fois par Domenico #Tedesco, Roméo Lavia fait l’objet d’un pressing intense de #ChelseaFC. Comme nous vous le rapportions en décembre, #CFC veut accélérer et a rencontré cette semaine l’entourage du #DiablesRouges en Belgique. #mercato
⏳ https://t.co/9FugXf5syk pic.twitter.com/ihhgkWZyF0
— Sacha Tavolieri (@sachatavolieri) March 17, 2023
One of the alternatives that has emerged in the last few weeks is Southampton’s rising star Romeo Lavia. He was one of their best players in their 0-0 draw with the Red Devils last weekend.
But if the Saints do fall, it will be difficult for them to keep the Belgian midfielder. Lavia joined the St Mary’s club from Manchester City last summer on a deal worth up to £14 million, signing a five-year contract.
City have a buyout clause worth about 40 million pounds, but it can only be activated in 2024. Chelsea see Lavia as the heir to N’Golo Kante, and United will not be easy to beat in the race.
Lavia, a sought-after man
According to transfer reporter Sasha Tavolieri, “the most popular clubs for Romeo #Lavia right now are #ManUtd and #ChelseaFC. #ManCity remains vigilant if he leaves this summer in the middle, but retains an advantage thanks to the buyout clause included in his contract.
🔴😈🔵 Les clubs les plus pressants au moment T sur le dossier Roméo #Lavia sont #ManUtd & #ChelseaFC. #ManCity reste vigilant si départ cet été au milieu mais reste avantagé grâce à la clause de rachat inclus dans son contrat et la relation entre le #DiablesRouges & #Guardiola. pic.twitter.com/rwSyqFa0zR
— Sacha Tavolieri (@sachatavolieri) March 17, 2023
“First chosen by Domenico #Tedesco, Romeo Lavia is the object of intense pressure from #ChelseaFC. As we informed you in December, #CFC wants to accelerate and this week met with the entourage of #DiablesRouges in Belgium,” he tweeted.
According to Transfermarkt, Lavia is valued at 25 million euros, and he could be stolen because of his age and huge talent.
