Former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan has urged Manchester United to sign Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse this summer.
The Sun has reported that incoming Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag wants the Southampton skipper for his new-look midfield. The report also claims that Manchester City could also be in the race for the Saints star, with Pep Guardiola being a huge admirer of the Englishman.
Noel Whelan has claimed that Ward-Prowse will be a brilliant addition to the Manchester United midfield with his creativity and work rate. Speaking about Ward-Pworse, the 47-year-old told Football Insider:
“I think they’re desperately in need of a player like him in midfield. He’s got the creativity they need but he’s also got a really strong work ethic. He’s not just a goalscorer and a creative player – he puts his foot in when he needs to. He’s aggressive and he works very hard."
Whelan went on to suggest that Ward-Prowse will be the perfect midfielder to bring the most out of Bruno Fernandes. He also insisted that the dead-ball specialist will be an upgrade over Paul Pogba, who looks destined to leave this summer with his contract expiry. Whelan added:
“I think he would compliment Fernandes perfectly. I think they need that sort of character after having someone like Paul Pogba who has the tendency to drift through games. Ward-Prowse will work tirelessly for 90 minutes, and I think the front three would benefit no end from having him in that side.”
Ward-Prowse has been in blistering form for Southampton this season having scored 10 goals and providing eight assists in 39 games across all competitions.
The England international is also regarded as one of the best free-kick takers in the world. Only David Beckham (18) has scored more direct free kicks than Ward-Prowse, who has 14 to his name so far.
James Ward-Prowse would be a solid addition to ten Hag's Manchester United squad
As per The Sun, Southampton could be prepared to sell their skipper for £75 million. It is a massive transfer fee but it still promises to be an excellent investment from the Red Devils' point of view.
Ward-Prowse comes with enormous experience in the Premier League and is also a natural leader, something United are lacking in their midfield. He is tireless and at the same time, an elegant midfielder and his ability from set-pieces is unparalleled.
If Manchester United can get this deal over the line, it should prove to be a step in the right direction.
adesinaalamu
1
I also love the guy and provided Paul Pogba and Matic are living, adding a quality of James Ward-Prowse to the squad would be an upgrade in midfield department and having James Garner back at Old Trafford as his understudy won't be a bad idea
Yunglacer
0
No wonder all this ex pundits never succeeded as a player. U see Southampton,Leeds,Newcastle,Aston villa ex players doing PR and linking English players to Manchester Utd. Why not link them to other clubs or better still keep shut and talk about their own teams. Overhyped English players. It’s why England haven’t won anything since 1966 always stats and hype. Giving them ego. Thanks to klopp and pep,tuchel for foden,mount,James and Arnold for molding them and guiding them to know their place as just a player.
yonkmoprsz
0
I meant the latter
ok
Andile1986
0
who's Tuchumani? Or do you mean Tchouameni?
I meant the latter
ossydeboss
0
don't put Sancho and Maguire in one category.I think given what we have in the mid he will be an upgrade
I agree with you though... there's a huge room for sancho's development
Zidcelnpuy
0
As an English player, he'll be very very expressive, and United I guess must be careful of English boys after Sancho and Maguire incidents respectively
don't put Sancho and Maguire in one category.I think given what we have in the mid he will be an upgrade
yonkmoprsz
0
True, but I think utd should go for younger players( not more than 25 years) who will stay longer
yonkmoprsz
0
before anything else this team needs a cdm Carrick has never been replaced. Get me Ndidi, tuchumani , Rice someone to protect that backline. basics people. modric,kroos excell because they have casimero.kdb, bernando silva excell because they have Rodri basics
who's Tuchumani? Or do you mean Tchouameni?
Andile1986
0
before anything else this team needs a cdm Carrick has never been replaced. Get me Ndidi, tuchumani , Rice someone to protect that backline. basics people. modric,kroos excell because they have casimero.kdb, bernando silva excell because they have Rodri basics
United Kingdom870286
1
Yes I agree I have been saying that for about 4 years now one off the best mid fielders a round who can do everything think in a game
ossydeboss
0
As an English player, he'll be very very expressive, and United I guess must be careful of English boys after Sancho and Maguire incidents respectively