Former Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was targeting a January move for Juventus midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur.
According to a recent report from Stretty News, the recently sacked Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had targeted a move for Rodrigo Bentancur. The Juventus midfielder was included in the Norwegian’s list of January targets which he listed prior to his sacking from the club.
Manchester United had even launched enquiries over a potential move for Bentancur, with Juventus slapping a £25 million price tag. But the move did not evolve further as Solskjaer was soon axed after the embarrassing 4-1 defeat at the hands of Watford.
Formerly of Boca Juniors, Bentancur had been an ever-present figure in the Juventus midfield ever since his 2017 move to Turin. During his ongoing four and a half year spell at the club, he has notched up 169 competitive appearances, becoming one of the best midfielders in South America in the process.
The Uruguayan international is a particular favourite of current coach Massimiliano Allegri, who has handed him ten appearances in Serie A so far. However, with the club struggling to dominate the Italian top-flight like they used to, the Old Lady are considering a massive overhaul.
Especially in the midfield department, Juventus are expected to part ways with Aaron Ramsey in January, while Weston McKennie has emerged as a January target for Tottenham Hotspur.
Solskjaer’s interest in Bentancur, in that regard, might have stemmed from Manchester United’s lack of quality in the holding midfield role. The current combination between Scott McTominay and Fred clearly does not have enough quality to offer the solidity in the middle of the park, while Nemanja Matic is nearing the final phase of his career.
The potential addition of the Juventus star, therefore, would have been mightily welcomed at Old Trafford, as he can offer aggression, tenacity and work ethic the club so desperately requires. However, with Solskjaer getting the sack and Manchester United considering a swoop for Ernesto Valverde for the interim role, their pursuit of Bentancur could be suspended altogether.
Fortunately for the Red Devils, though, they have no shortage of alternatives. Manchester United are already among the clubs in contention to sign Lazio superstar Sergej Milinkovic-Savic while they may also consider a January swoop for former Bayern Munich flop Renato Sanches.
