“He’s very hard to defend against” - Louis Saha names ‘confident’ 21-year-old midfielder as signing Manchester United should target next

Former Manchester United striker Louis Saha has urged his old club to sign Xavi Simons. The Red Devils had a pretty productive transfer window last time out, signing Joshua Zirkzee, Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, and Manuel Ugarte but missed out on the Dutchman.

As per GOAL, Manchester United tried to land the Netherlands international in the summer but the 21-year-old snubbed Erik ten Hag's side. He rejoined RB Leipzig for his second-consecutive loan spell away from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).

Louis Saha has insisted that his former employers should resume their pursuit of the versatile attacking midfielder. The Frenchman claimed that the Red Devils could benefit from the Dutchman's creativity who is difficult to deal with for defenders.

Saha told Casino Hawks:

"I think Manchester United should target Xavi Simons, I really like him and he’s the sort of player that could have a huge impact at the club. He showed up during Euro 2024 and I think he provides a great option in transition in midfield as well as creating chances for his teammates."

Saha added:

"There aren’t many players in that bracket, Dani Olmo at Barcelona is another one. I definitely think Simons has the capacity to be a success if he did end up at United. He’s very hard to defend against because he’s always on the move, United still need legs in midfield and more creativity and unpredictability."

The former Manchester United forward concluded:

"Jadon Sancho is a player that didn’t fit it tactically, but I don’t think that will be the case with Simons, he is confident in his quality and it looks like he has the character to succeed."

Just 21, Simons has been at clubs like Barcelona, PSG, PSV Eindhoven and RB Leipzig. He enjoyed a brilliant season with RB Leipzig on loan last time out, contributing 10 goals and 15 assists in 43 games.

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Paul Parker heaps praise on Manchester United star for proving his doubters wrong

Former Manchester United full-back Paul Parker has credited Christian Eriksen for proving his doubters wrong. The Denmark international has impressed for Erik ten Hag's side in the last four games he has started.

Eriksen fell down the pecking order last season following Kobbie Mainoo's emergence and was strongly linked with an exit from Old Trafford this summer. He was expected to play a bit-part role this season but has done well to reclaim his place in the starting XI.

Paul Parker has heaped praise on the Dane as he told SpilXperten:

“Eriksen has proved everyone wrong. It’s absolutely crazy because not long ago, we were talking about how he should start looking for a new club. It seemed like his options were at the level of Ajax, Galatasaray, or maybe a return to Denmark. It doesn’t make any sense to me that he’s suddenly a regular starter, at least for now."

The former England defender added:

“It’ll be interesting, of course, to see if Ugarte comes in and takes his spot, but why would they drop him? Sure, there are mistakes here and there but that’s football. Right now, he’s crucial for Manchester United."

“He’s crucial because he helps the team be more dominant than they have been otherwise. They hadn’t been in control at all until Eriksen came in and started dictating the game. In many ways, he is what people said United needed to go out and buy in the transfer market."

Eriksen joined Manchester United in the summer of 2022 on a free transfer and has made 77 appearances, contributing six goals and 14 assists. He has scored five goals and provided one assist in five appearances this season.