According to a recent report by the Manchester Evening News, Manchester United have stepped up their efforts to acquire the services of Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish. The same source has mentioned that the Red Devils have identified the English midfielder as one of their top summer targets and are eager to ‘execute’ a deal for him in February as they fear that Grealish’s valuation might sky-rocket if he goes on to impress for the England national team in the UEFA Euro 2020 later this year.
The 24-year-old’s current deal at Villa Park is set to run out in the summer of 2023, but the West Midlands club has not confirmed whether his contract includes a £45m release clause (via Manchester Evening News). If the Villans end up being relegated from the Premier League at the end of this campaign, then it could hurt their chances of retaining the English playmaker’s services beyond this summer.
Grealish’s Incredible Form At Villa Park This Season
Grealish has enjoyed a brilliant season in the English top-flight after putting in a string of match-winning performances for Dean Smith’s side across all competitions. He has played in 29 matches for Villa this term, scoring nine goals while providing eight assists on all fronts.
The Villans youth product has averaged 2.2 shots, 2.8 key passes and 2.3 dribbles per 90 minutes in the top tier of England (stats via whoscored). The numbers do not lie and have only enhanced Grealish’s reputation as the most productive English midfielder in the Premier League.
The Birmingham-born talent is yet to earn his first senior cap for the Three Lions but could be in line to be named in Gareth Southgate’s squad for this summer’s UEFA Euro 2020. The early signs have been quite promising so we can expect Grealish to make a positive impression at the international level in the coming years.
What Will The English Sensation Bring To The Theatre Of Dreams?
Grealish loves to make some breakaway runs with the ball from midfield and has the vision to pick out a decisive pass in the final third. He excels at interchanging possession with others around him and is also a significant goal-threat from long range. The English midfield ace is not shy about getting stuck in a few challenges after averaging one tackle per game in league football this season (stats via whoscored).
Is Grealish The Right Fit For Man United?
Grealish primarily operates in the number ten position but can also fill in on the flanks if required. Hence, the English attacking midfielder will be a decent fit for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s style of play at Old Trafford as he will be able to switch positions with the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Daniel James and Marcus Rashford if the Norwegian manager decides to rely on the 4-2-3-1 formation next season.
Grealish will flourish playing in any of the three positions behind the centre-forward and won’t mind working his socks off for the benefit of his teammates. Furthermore, the Villans star will also give Solskjaer the option to be more flexible with his formation, tactics and team selection in the future.
