Manchester United have demonstrated significant ambition in the transfer market this summer, reflecting their determination to revitalize their squad. The club’s new owners, INEOS, have utilized their substantial financial resources to secure the services of highly-rated defender Leny Yoro from Lille and striker Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna. These acquisitions come on the heels of a disappointing 2023/24 Premier League campaign, in which United finished eighth. However, the team salvaged their season by clinching the FA Cup, defeating their fierce rivals Manchester City 2-1 at Wembley, with first-half goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo.
This FA Cup triumph was crucial for Manchester United as it secured their place in the Europa League for the upcoming season. Nevertheless, the club’s heavy investment signals a clear intention to return to the Champions League for the 2025/26 campaign. The latest transfer news suggests that Manchester United is exploring additional options to strengthen their midfield.
Reports from Football Transfers indicate that Manchester United is considering PSV Eindhoven star Joey Veerman as an alternative to PSG midfielder Manuel Ugarte. Scott McTominay is reportedly the player most likely to be sold to make room for this new acquisition, with United valuing the Scotland international at £40 million. Veerman, who has been valued at £34 million by Transfermarkt, made 41 appearances for PSV in all competitions last season. He scored seven goals, provided 19 assists, and accumulated a total of 3,420 minutes on the pitch.
A comparison of Veerman with Manchester City’s midfield star Rodri, using FBref’s “similar players” feature, reveals that Veerman is among Rodri’s top ten comparisons from Euro 2024. This comparison is significant for United as they seek to replace Casemiro and find a new midfield partner for Mainoo. If Veerman can offer the same level of technical security on the ball that Rodri does for City—effectively screening the defense, breaking down opposition counterattacks, and controlling the game’s tempo—he could be an ideal addition to the squad.
Veerman’s statistics per 90 minutes highlight his creative passing metrics, which are exceptional. He makes 4.91 key passes and 11.86 progressive passes per 90 minutes, numbers that closely resemble Rodri’s, who makes 12.28 progressive passes per 90 and is considered one of the best in the world in this regard. Rodri’s dominance is partly due to City being one of the most possession-dominant teams on the continent.
Veerman’s technical security on the ball and his high pass volume, attempting 20 more passes per 90 minutes than Casemiro, allow him to dictate the game from a deeper position on the pitch. This was evident in his performances for the Netherlands during Euro 2024, which drew comparisons to Rodri. The additional technical qualities, passing variation, and ball-carrying abilities from midfield would greatly benefit United’s build-up play, while also allowing Mainoo to move higher up the field and into more dangerous areas.
Defensively, Veerman is also robust, making 2.57 tackles per 90 minutes, 1.13 blocks per 90, and winning 1.17 aerials per 90. These defensive metrics are comparable to those of Rodri and are still close to Casemiro’s numbers, despite Casemiro’s steady decline in this aspect due to age and reduced ability to cover ground. This blend of creative and defensive capabilities makes Veerman a well-rounded option to partner with Mainoo, aiding United’s efforts to compete in the Europa League and push for a return to the Champions League.
In conclusion, Manchester United’s summer transfer strategy highlights their ambition to rebuild and strengthen the squad after a challenging Premier League season. The acquisitions of Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee demonstrate a commitment to bolstering both defense and attack. Joey Veerman, with his impressive passing and defensive attributes, emerges as a potential midfield target, especially if McTominay departs. Comparing Veerman to Rodri reveals that he could provide a similar level of technical security and passing ability, making him an ideal partner for Mainoo and a valuable asset in United’s quest for European success.