As Erik ten Hag looks to continue his team’s rebuilding in preparation for the upcoming season, Manchester United is considering a move for Marco Verratti this summer.

What has changed since Marco Verratti joined Manchester United?
Three teams are reportedly interested in signing the Italian midfielder from Paris Saint-Germain during the summer transfer window, with United being one of them, according to sources in Spain.

The battle for his signature may get heated up soon between Juventus and Tottenham Hotspur, two clubs who will be competing with the Old Trafford team.

The 30-year-old is currently valued at €36.1 million (£31 million) by FootballTransfers and has a contract with the French powerhouses through the year 2026, so it might cost United a sizable sum to pry him away from Paris.

Verratti might be available to Manchester United.
Before the 2023–24 season, it’s not impossible that Ten Hag will want to bolster his team with one or two more elite midfielders.

There will inevitably be players who leave over time, and with only one year remaining on his contract, Brazilian midfielder Fred may be among them.

Verratti would make the ideal successor to the United star. He could infuse the Red Devils with a much-needed winning mentality after helping Italy win Euro 2020 and winning 20 major club awards during his career. Ten Hag would greatly benefit from Verratti’s elite mindset.

Given his passing skills and competitive nature, the 30-year-old machine could thrive alongside Casemiro in the centre of United’s engine. Verratti ranks in the top 5% across Europe’s major five leagues for pass success rate (92.5%), progressive passes made per 90 (99.1), tackles made per 90 (3.36), and blocks made per 90 (1.90), indicating he is among the best on the continent for directing play and defensive savviness.

His importance to PSG is demonstrated by the fact that he leads the team in accurate passes and is fourth in interceptions and key passes per game, indicating that the club might struggle without him while United might fully benefit from his excellent midfield skills.

M. Marco-Verratti
The fact that Gianluigi Buffon, a former teammate for both Italy and PSG, once praised Verratti for being “the only genuine talent in Italian football at the minute” suggests he is doing something right.

The Dutchman will be looking to replace Fred as soon as possible because his long-term future doesn’t look promising. Fred might still be a United player next season.

They may have found a “real” world-class talent in Verratti, and this will only make them stronger in the future.