Erik ten Hag, the man at the helm for Manchester United, has been facing a myriad of challenges, primarily due to a spate of injuries debilitating his team, and a midfield that has been anything but consistent. The defensive lineup has been in constant flux as the Dutch manager strives to find stability amidst the injury crisis. However, the midfield has presented a particularly thorny issue.
At the onset of the season, Ten Hag opted for Mason Mount to pair up with Casemiro in the midfield. However, this duo has struggled to maintain form, preventing the manager from establishing a fixed lineup. Casemiro’s performance in his second season has been underwhelming, and his fellow midfielders have been unable to secure a permanent spot beside him. These circumstances may prompt the club to explore options in the January transfer window, and a high-profile name is making the rounds in the rumor mill.
The Daily Star has reported that Toni Kroos, a legend of Real Madrid, is being offered to elite Premier League clubs, with Manchester United and Chelsea highlighted as potential destinations.
The German midfielder, a veteran of five Champions League victories, is no longer a fixture in the starting lineup for the Spanish titans. Out of his 12 appearances this season, half have seen him coming off the bench.
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With his contract at Real Madrid drawing to a close in eight months, Kroos is contemplating a move, eager for a new chapter as he winds down his illustrious career. His availability has piqued the interest of top-half Premier League clubs including Manchester United, Man City, Chelsea, and Newcastle.
Kroos has a history with Pep Guardiola from their time at Bayern Munich and was once on the verge of joining Manchester United a decade ago under David Moyes. While he may not be an immediate fit for the champions, Manchester City, Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United could see value in a cost-effective, short-term arrangement come January.
The Red Devils have previously benefitted from acquiring seasoned players from Real Madrid, with Raphael Varane and Casemiro making significant impacts in their debut seasons, although their form waned thereafter. With this in mind, United must tread carefully, considering Kroos’s age and the twilight stage of his career, ensuring they do not rush into a decision that could have long-term ramifications.
