Man Utd are pushing to sign Kobbie Mainoo's “good” teammate

The 2023/24 season ended in the best possible way for Manchester United last Saturday. It was not an easy campaign for Erik ten Hag's side before their FA Cup final victory over Manchester City last week, however they ended on a high note.

It was an incredible performance from the Red Devils at Wembley, scoring twice through school stars Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo, but they also defied City throughout the game and held on to win 2-1; only Jeremy Doku could break United's defence.

That victory secured United Europa League football for next season, something they failed to do with their Premier League finish. Ten Hag's side finished eighth in the top flight this season and were far from securing a place in the Champions League; eight points to be exact.

With European football secured for the 2024/25 season, it makes it easier for United to attract big-name players to the club in the summer transfer window.

According to talkSPORT, INEOS are “confident” of securing the double signings of Michael Olise and Jarrad Branthwaite. Recently, they have also been linked with another exciting prospect in European football, who they could take on this summer.

Man Utd are looking to sign a versatile striker

The player in question here is versatile PSG striker Xavi Simons, who has spent the season on loan at RB Leipzig. It's been a great year for the young Dutchman, and his performances have earned him a move to Old Trafford.

That is, if reports are to be believed. According to Spanish reports, via TEAMtalk, United are “willing to sign Simons on a season-long loan”. PSG appear keen on another loan signing, which would be Simons' third in as many seasons.

A loan would suit United better in many ways, as it would not have a huge impact on their summer transfer budget, at least compared to how much he would cost the club. Simons' current value is £85m, according to Football Observatory, which represents a huge saving for United.

However, according to reports, Simons has “no real desire” to represent the Red Devils, or play in the Premier League. Instead, he chooses to return to his former side, Barcelona, ​​​​where he arrived through their famous school La Masia. This may not happen this summer, given Barca's financial struggles. A move to Old Trafford could be Simons' only option.

Why Simons would be a good signing

The signing of Simons will represent good business for Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS. In the last two seasons he has been in top form.

On loan at PSV in 2022/23, Simons won the Golden Boot in the Eredivisie, scoring 19 goals in 34 games, and registering nine assists. This season for Leipzig, he has eight goals and 13 assists in 32 Bundesliga games, and two goals and two assists in eight Champions League games.

Another impressive part of Simons' game is his versatility. Throughout his first-team and youth career, the 21-year-old has played across the front line, forwards, both sides, as a number 10 and even in midfield. Not only that, he has been putting up impressive numbers in every role he has played. Having a versatile player like Simons in your squad could be a boon for United next season.

Simons' quality is also reflected in his Fbref stats compared to other European midfielders over the last 365 days. First, his amazing creative nature shines through. The 21-year-old has an incredible creative influence, with the ability to connect balls into the path of his team-mates in the final third.

He can receive half passes from Kobbie Mainoo, then look to get his teammates forward. The two will be a team that will delight United fans as United players have played English football recently, especially earning a place in England's provisional squad for the European Championships after a few months of playing senior football.

So, how would that combination work? However, given the United target's average of 2.71 key passes per 90 minutes, which puts him in the top 3%, and 2.19 passes into the penalty box, which puts him in the top 2% of European midfielders, it would work well indeed.

When in possession, Simons is an explosive dribbler, able to quickly change direction due to his quick pace, and slalom in and out of opposing defenders due to his low center of gravity. He averages 4.93 consistently per 90 minutes and 4.27 moves into the bottom third per 90 minutes. Both of these metrics put him in the top 1%. Simons also averaged 1.22 penalty box entries per 90 minutes, ranking him in the top 2%.

The Dutch maestro is an impact player in the game in general, which is evident from his stats. He averages 6.07 shots to create actions per 90 minutes, which places him in the top 1%, and 0.66 goal creating actions per 90 minutes, which places him in the top 2%. He always finds a way to make things happen.

Another downside to United's signing of Simons this summer could be how he fits into the team under Ten Hag, or indeed the new manager.

Indeed, Simons' versatility is an advantage, however, and United have depth in a number of positions that they pass through in particular. On the left, Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho are first choice, and at number 10, they have Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount. as its depth there. Fernandes is very important under the Ten Hag, and it seems unlikely that he will be removed.

Simons could play as a central striker, giving way to Rasmus Hojlund, who has become United's only striker after the departure of Anthony Martial. However, the Dutchman is more productive playing a deeper role. Because of this, seeing him play alongside Mainoo – the scorer of a great FA Cup final goal – in midfield would be the answer.

Finding a role for him would be a problem but having a player of that quality and versatility to fill out United's squad and add depth is too good to say no.

Football analyst Antonio Mango described Simons to X as “amazing”, and, given the stats, it's hard to argue with him. He would definitely be a great partner next to Mainoo in midfield.