Manchester United have long identified midfield as a problematic area of their squad.
Christian Eriksen has left the team this summer and a 33 year old Casemiro is hardly at the peak of his powers.
Last summer signing, Manuel Ugarte, has divided opinion amongst fans and Kobbie Mainoo has suffered numerous injury concerns lately.
United linked to Richard Rios
The Red Devils have been linked to numerous midfielders such as Douglas Luiz, Aurelien Tchouameni and Ederson.
Nonetheless, one intriguing name that United are reported to be scouting is that of Colombia star Richard Rios.
The Red Devils may need to act fast though as Nottingham Forest are also said to be keen on the player’s services.
Here are some reasons why United should pursue a deal.
Attractive price tag
While the likes of Tchouameni and Ederson would cost the club well over €50 million, Rios is said to be available for just €30 million.
In a summer where the Red Devils are counting every penny, they can ill afford to over-spend in the midfield department.
In addition, Ruben Amorim’s side will want to sign players in the attack and goalkeeping department so a lower outlay in the midfield would certainly be advantageous for the whole squad.
Big game experience
As the player currently plays for Brazilian side Palmeiras, it could be argued that he may not be prepared for the rigours of Premier League football.
Of course, any transfer from a different league brings about its own set of challenges and unknowns but Rios has certainly impressed when the pressure is on.
He stood out during the pressure-cooker atmosphere of Copa America 2024, reaching the final with Colombia.
What’s more, he has also played for Palmeiras in the Copa Libertadores, which sees the cream of South America compete against one another.
Most recently of all, he played a key role in his side’s journey to the quarter finals of the Club World Cup, where they narrowly lost out 1-2 to Chelsea.
Rios grabbed an assist in this game and also in the previous round against Botafogo.
Strengths
The Colombia international has been described as exhibiting “a fascinating blend of creativity and goal threat. His playing style is defined by a remarkable ability to conjure chances from seemingly nothing, a testament to his high chance creation stats.”
This would be vital in United’s midfield as the double pivot often lacks passing range and creative spark.
It is also said that “Ríos is adept at threading progressive passes that continually push his team forward, making him a linchpin in the engine room.”
Overall, Ríos is “a midfield dynamo with distinct creative flair and an eye for goal”.
He is not the perfect player obviously and he could improve his defensive contributions. Nonetheless in a system with three centre backs and very defensive midfielders like Casemiro or Ugarte beside him, this may not be so critical.
Age profile
At 25 years old, Rios is a good profile for United’s midfield. He is a perfect blend of youth and experience.
He has played a total of 137 club matches in various competitions and he has also represented his national side on 23 occasions.
What’s more, he is personally at the age where he is ready to take the next step into European football.
For this reason and many more, Rios would be a shrewd signing to add to Ruben Amorim’s squad.
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Alex Browne
Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Proud owner of such niche shirts such as Kleberson, Eric Djemba-Djemba and Gary Neville. Grew up pretending to be Ruud van Nistelrooy and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the back garden, with little success.
