Manchester United are tipped to sign Wilfred Ndidi from Leicester City according to Express. The report also states that Real Madrid and PSG are also in contention to acquire the services of the Nigerian. However, Solskjær would only move for the player if he misses out on Donny van de Beek, with the Ajax man being the primary target of the club. There is a probability of the 23-year-old Dutch midfielder joining Real Madrid, and that has made the United gaffer identify a replacement.
Ndidi’s performances in recent seasons
Kante had been a stupendous performer for Leicester in their historical campaign where they won the Premier League. His transfer to Chelsea had been a big blow to the side, and the club faithful did not believe that a replacement for the midfielder was possible. That is when the Foxes brought in Wilfred Ndidi from Genk, and so far it would be fair to say that he has stepped into the shoes of the French player adequately.
The Nigerian has played 111 league matches for the side so far and made a mark for the team. The 23-year-old can be termed as one of the best defensive midfielders of the league so far, and this season he has appeared in 23 matches in the Premier League.
Although Ndidi can join the side in the attack at times, he acts as an absolute barricade in front of the back four. The young midfielder can be called as a tank in the centre of the pitch, and he can use this physicality to the fullest. This term, he has made four tackles and 2.7 interceptions on average per game, highlighting his importance for the side. Like any top central midfielder, the Leicester man can also boast a high 84.1% of successful passes in the league.
The other facet of his game that would excite the Norwegian manager is his ability to hit the long balls with him averaging 2.7 long balls per game. Manchester United are known to play with a style that demands their backline and midfielders assist their forwards by hitting an aerial ball and Ndidi would not disappoint in that perspective.
What would be his role at United?
Man United are in a spot of bother with the future of Paul Pogba up in the air. The club would expect that the uncertainty surrounding the French superstar will be sorted soon. However, United must prepare themselves for the worst, and with that thought, they have scoured the market for the Ajax star or as his replacement, Ndidi.
Pogba has certain creativity and flair in his game, which has made him one of the most recognised footballers in the world. The Nigeria international cannot be expected to match the ex-Juventus star in terms of his attacking output. Still, he can certainly give a competition of places to Fred, Pereira and Matic. Going by his recent performances and his impact for his club under Brendan Rodgers, we can safely say that Ndidi would uplift the quality of the United midfield and the defenders would be at more ease with him in the squad.
Stats from Whoscored.
