Could Manchester United bolster their midfield options with Anderlecht’s Leander Dendoncker?

Add as preferred source on Google

Manchester United have turned their attention to promising Anderlecht youngster Leander Dendoncker in their mission to improve their midfield this summer, according to reports today.

Jose Mourinho has openly discussed – as per BBC Sport – his desire to bring in defensive midfield cover and Belgian newspaper De Morgen have claimed that the 22-year-old is now on their radar.

But the report claims that the Belgian champions have slapped an astonishing asking price of €38 million (£33.8 million) on Dendoncker’s head as they look to keep hold of him for next season.

What could Dendoncker bring to Old Trafford?

Leander Dendoncker is certainly no stranger to Manchester United after last year’s Europa League campaign, scoring an impressive and powerful header in their quarter-final first-leg encounter to give his side hope of a shock at Old Trafford – narrowly losing to Marcus Rashford’s extra-time goal.

On that occasion it was Dendoncker’s composure in the middle of the park, along with a natural determination and grit – even up against Paul Pogba and Ander Herrera – that made him stand out.

And it’s little surprise to see one of Europe’s big sides now linked with a move for him, with the 22-year-old bringing a perfect combination of height, physical presence and skillful vision onto the pitch.

Happiest sitting deep in the midfield, he has an excellent range of distribution, able to play a 60-yard pass just as well as he can manage short, intricate exchanges, and United could benefit from variety.

Although new club captain Michael Carrick will be able to continue doing this sort of role in the upcoming season, the long-term future of United’s defensive midfield position is in doubt and in need of re-enforcement. In Dendoncker there is a very promising option for years to come.

Even more appealing about the Belgian is his presence and threat from set-pieces and crosses, utilising his frame to his advantage, and he has a clinical edge to his game – unlike Marouane Fellani.

Although the report believes that United – along with AC Milan and RB Leipzig – are set to send scouts to watch him in action during Anderlecht’s opening match of the new Belgian Jupiler League season, the fact that fellow youngster Youri Tielemans has already left for Monaco suggests they won’t sell again.