Better Call Saul: Manchester United again linked with Atletico and Spain veteran

No post-Fergie era transfer window feels right without Manchester United being linked to Atletico Madrid’s Spanish international Saul Niguez but this time it feels real. But that’s what we always say, isn’t it?

The same could’ve been said for Raphael Varane and he’s now a Manchester United player. Jacob Steinberg of the Guardia was the one to report United’s interest today. United aren’t the only side interested in the midfielder, with Chelsea more strongly linked as things stand. According to the report, Atleti are willing to let Saul go on loan.

After the draw against Southampton, United’s midfield came under scrutiny and it’s been a pressing issue for a few seasons now. By all records, Saul’s not the hottest property in Europe anymore.

His best years saw him as this very technical yet aggressive midfielder. He caught the eye for his dribbling — especially in the Champions League semi-final against Bayern Munich in 2016.

Saul will probably be one of the better options in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s preferred double pivot if he were to join the side. He’d get ahead of Nemanja Matic and have to fight it with one of Scott McTominay and Fred.

Saul’s also been a very flexible asset under Diego Simeone. He’s been deployed in various midfield roles and even at left-back.

A loan move doesn’t seem like a great risk. Saul probably does not fit the holding role that feels like the missing piece in United’s best 11 but he’ll be a fairly reliable addition to the squad.