Manchester United Lining Up Shock Move for Luton's Ross Barkley

According to recent reports in England, Manchester United are lining up a shock move for Luton Town star Ross Barkley. Manager Erik ten Hag is justifiably worried about his midfield and needs a central midfielder to bring stability. The Englishman’s splendid performances this season have attracted attention from the Red Devils

Ross Barkley is leading the midfield zone for the newly-promoted Premier League side. In 21 league appearances, he has scored 3 goals and made 3 assists (stats via Transfermarkt) and has created plenty of chances that have enabled them to be a credible goal threat against any opponent.

Last month, the 30-year-old orchestrated the Hatters’ midfield and was instrumental in helping the newly-promoted side dominate the game against the Red Devils. The game was close all throughout and the midfielder even almost equalised with a header but it hit the bar.

Ross Barkley celebrating for Luton Town, Manchester United, Ross Barkley — Image Obtained Via BBC

According to The Sun, Manchester United are preparing a surprising move for Luton Town midfielder Ross Barkley in the summer window. The central midfielder is bossing the midfield for the Hatters which is a key reason for them punching above their weight at the moment.

Erik ten Hag is dealing with numerous problems in the team, with the most worrisome being the midfield performance. Adding to that, the Red Devils have been hit by multiple injuries to key players, such as Rasmus Hojlund, Mason Mount, Luke Shaw and Lisandro Martinez, who are all out with injury.

Meanwhile, Casemiro suffered a concussion knock to his head against Fulham, but he returned for the following game at Nottingham Forest. Nevertheless, the Brazilian had been in poor form this season, leaving the Red Devils vulnerable in the centre of the park. There are suggestions that United could sell him to a potential buyer.

Man United could make shock move for Ross Barkley to replace Casemirohttps://t.co/oyKfP38xXy

— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) February 26, 2024

Sofyan Amrabat’s loan deal will not be extended when it expires at the end of the season. Although the Red Devils have obtained a midfield gem in Kobbie Mainoo, he is still young and needs a stable partner in midfield too. This is why Ross Barkley is attracting attention from the Manchester United hierarchy

Moreover, United supremo Sir Jim Ratcliffe is a huge fan of the English midfielder, the same reason for him to have signed for French club Nice in 2022. This increases the odds even more for the 30-year-old to be in Ten Hag’s squad next season.

Although the Englishman has an ongoing contract with Luton Town, he could leave if they are relegated at the end of the season. He would be a cheap and good signing, but has a complex contract situation. Nevertheless, the Red Devils will find a way if they need to.

Ross Barkley’s Career Ride

Ross Barkley has had a roller coaster club career. Starting as a kid with the Everton youth team, the midfielder joined the senior squad in 2011. He was a great dribbler, a powerful runner, and had a good, stinging right foot. He came with a lot of promise and was touted to become a big star in the Premier League.

However, it didn’t materialize as he started getting plagued by injuries. He fell down the pecking order and slowly got sidelined into obscurity. He spent time on loan at Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds United till 2013 before returning to Everton.

After spending 5 years with the Toffees, he joined Chelsea. He failed to establish himself at Stamford Bridge and the Blues decided not to extend his contract, leaving him without a club in 2022. He then joined Nice before moving to Luton Town in 2023.

Former Everton boss Roberto Martinez said that Barkley is misunderstood in English Football. The former Toffees manager once said, “Barkley is a diamond of the English football”.

Now, it would be interesting to see when or if this diamond is going to be acquired by the Red Devils. Given the dazzling performances of Ross Barkley this season, it can be concluded that he has the potential to shine for Manchester United.

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