Manchester United’s hunt for a new central midfielder has taken them to the doorsteps of West Ham United, with manager Erik ten Hag keen on reuniting with his former protégé Edson Alvarez.
Edson Alvarez, 26, joined West Ham United from Ajax last summer and quickly established himself in the starting XI, amassing 42 appearances across all competitions in his debut season at the London Stadium. The Mexico skipper chipped in with two goals and three assists from the park’s centre, as the Hammers finished ninth in the Premier League.
The defensive midfielder’s performances in recent years have caught the attention of several big European clubs, including Manchester United. The Red Devils are reportedly interested in signing a midfielder, especially Edson Alvarez, in case Casemiro leaves this summer.
The West Ham star is one of the options internally discussed by INEOS, with Ten Hag a big admirer of the 26-year-old. However, a deal would be difficult as West Ham consider Alvarez a key player for the present and future.
Edson Alvarez would be a strong replacement for Casemiro
Alvarez has become a crucial cog in the West Ham midfield, impressing with his energy, tough-tackling and physicality. An old-fashioned, no-nonsense defensive midfielder, the Mexican usually operates as the deepest in a 4-2-3-1/4-3-3 formation and dictates play for his team.
Man United are looking exactly at this profile to improve their squad next season. Casemiro has been the subject of intense speculation following an extremely underwhelming campaign at Old Trafford, marred with injury problems and lacklustre displays. The Brazilian has found himself heavily linked with a move to Saudi Arabia in recent months.
The 20-time English champions are open to listening offers for the multiple Champions League winner. By moving Casemiro on, they would want to replace him with a younger, more mobile defensive midfielder in Alvarez, whose skill-set on and off the ball would complement the rising Kobbie Mainoo. The 26-year-old is also a viable target, having been coached by Ten Hag at Ajax.
Thus, a move for Alvarez makes complete sense for the Red Devils. However, with West Ham considering him key to their plans for the 2024/25 campaign, Man United face a tall order to persuade their Premier League rivals into selling him.
I am Rohan Sengupta from one of the busiest cities in India, Mumbai. A Journalism graduate with a keen interest in sports, football is something I simply cannot live without and writing, discussing and analyzing the game is what I do 24*7.
