According to Mirror, Manchester United are ready to make a €50 million move for Thomas Muller in the upcoming January transfer window. However, they could face stiff competition from Inter Milan in the pursuit of the Bayern Munich outcast, who reportedly wants to leave Bavaria after being constantly overlooked by Niko Kovac.
Regardless, in this article, we will figure out how Muller could fit into the United side upon his potential arrival.
What’s the best position for Muller?
To figure out how he could fit in at United, it’s essential to know what’s actually the most productive position for Muller. The German international is primarily known for his versatility, having played in various positions throughout his decorated footballing career.
Muller’s most successful spell at Bayern came under the leadership of Pep Guardiola. The Catalan mastermind broadly utilised him as a Ramdeuter, which essentially means he was tasked with the responsibility of opening up spaces with his intelligent movements in zone 14.
Muller’s quick thinking, coupled with his ingenuity in the final third boosted Bayern’s chance creation. But, at the same time, he also became a prolific goalscorer under Guardiola. That being said, the World Cup winner with Germany has failed miserably whenever he has been deployed as a right-winger by current coach Kovac.
Therefore, it’s probably fair to acknowledge that Muller should best be utilised as Ramdeuter or a number ten.
How does Muller fit into the United attack?
Manchester United have primarily played with a 4-2-3-1 under Ole-Gunnar Solskjaer this season. Juan Mata has predominantly featured as the number ten, though Jesse Lingard was also an option. Muller, in that regard, could be an ideal alternative for these players.
Mata, in particular, lacks the pace to make United useful on the counter. Though Muller is not a pacy attacker per se, his ability to find spaces coupled his direct style of play is much more suited to Solskjaer’s tactical philosophy.
Hence, the Norwegian could utilise the German international just in behind the main striker Marcus Rashford, whose pace and tenacity would combine well with Muller’s ingenuity and ability to open up spaces for his teammates – ultimately making Man United much more effective going forward.
But one thing is for sure – the Red Devils should not expect the Bayern Munich star to become a regular source of goals. Instead, they should sign an additional forward, who can potentially fill in the shoes of the departed Romelu Lukaku.
