Manchester United spent most of this summer planning a midfield overhaul. Ederson is already signed. Mateus Fernandes might be next. But with Manuel Ugarte out injured and the roster still thin in the middle of the park, the club might need a third body.
And there’s a real chance that third guy ends up somewhere else.
Southampton’s Shea Charles is the name floating around. The 22-year-old spent last season on loan in the Championship and put up six goals and two assists. One Championship analyst, Ryan Dilks, called him “unbelievable.” Southampton wants around £30 million for him. That’s a bargain for a player who could sit and develop behind United’s starters for a year or two.
Leeds already had bids knocked back. United has held internal conversations about Charles and likes what they see. But according to Football Insider, the club isn’t pushing hard to win this race right now.
Crystal Palace is making its move
Palace has entered the picture and feels good about its chances. The Eagles can offer European football this season, which might matter to a young player looking for minutes on a bigger stage. They’re reportedly optimistic they can pull off a late hijack.
United has Champions League football to offer, which is a stronger pitch. But they haven’t turned that interest into a formal bid yet. And every day they wait, Palace gets a little closer.
There’s also a connection worth noting. Jason Wilcox, United’s technical director, signed Charles for Southampton a couple years ago. That relationship could help if United decides to jump in. But right now, they’re not acting like it.
Charles isn’t a finished product. He’d come in as a backup, get coached up, and probably turn into a reliable starter down the line. That’s the kind of signing smart clubs make before the price doubles. United just has to decide if they want to be that kind of club this summer.
Palace might make that decision for them.
Leave a Comment