Manchester United have identified Eric Dier as one of their top targets this summer as they aim to add more options to the midfield department.
According to The Times, Manchester United could emerge as a potential suitor for Eric Dier. The Red Devils are keen to bulk up their midfield department following a turbulent campaign and the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder has been identified as one of their top candidates.
Daily Mail believes that United are targeting Dier as an alternative to Nemanja Matic, which could make sense given how the Serbian has struggled with both form and injuries this past season. He has also appeared tentative with the ball and has failed to provide security to the backline.
Hence, finding an upgrade for the former Chelsea midfielder could be imperative as the Red Devils look to kickstart a new era under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Speaking of Solskjaer, the Norwegian is keen to build his team around young players next season, preferably English talents. Dier, in that regard, could fit in perfectly well.
Even though the England international is not exactly young, at the age of 25, his vast experience in English football coupled with his skillset could revamp the United midfield next season.
Also, the ex-Sporting CP midfielder can provide additional midfield options to Solskjaer, especially with Ander Herrera confirming he will leave the club this summer.
That being said, Dier, himself, has had his fair share of struggles with injuries. He suffered from an appendectomy as well as a hip injury for the most part of the 2018/19 campaign. As a result, Dier was restricted to just 1,509 minutes of league football this past season.
Dier’s struggle with injuries forced Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino to rely on the much-maligned Moussa Sissoko and the young Harry Winks in central midfield. However, even when he was given a starting berth in the team, Dier hasn’t been neat and tidy with his performances, often appearing sloppy with his passing game whilst failing to provide any definite cover to the backline.
And this raises a serious question as to whether or not he will be a smart signing from Manchester United’s perspective. It is still unclear how much Dier will exactly cost. But, one thing is for sure; gambling on Dier is something United can’t afford at the moment as they aim to undergo a squad overhaul this summer.
