Manchester United need a midfield overhaul. Everyone knows that. But the club might end up shopping for a winger first, and the name at the top of the list is Crysencio Summerville.
The West Ham winger is on Michael Carrick’s radar in a big way. And it’s not hard to see why. United have been painfully one-dimensional out wide for a while now, and Summerville brings something that’s been missing: a guy who can take his defender one-on-one and actually win that battle. He’s quick, direct, and comfortable cutting inside from the left flank.
But here’s the thing. Any move for Summerville apparently hinges on what happens with Marcus Rashford. According to Sky Sports, United won’t make a decisive play for a wide player until Rashford’s situation gets sorted out.
Rashford’s saga drags on
Rashford is due back at Carrington after the World Cup. Barcelona had an option to buy him, but that expired without being triggered. The forward would reportedly prefer to go back to Catalonia, but United wants a permanent sale this time, not another loan. And for what it’s worth, Rashford hasn’t completely ruled out trying to reintegrate at Old Trafford.
So the whole thing is stuck in limbo. And as long as it stays there, Summerville waits.
Why Summerville makes sense
Summerville had a tough season with West Ham — the club got relegated to the Championship, which isn’t exactly a selling point. But his individual numbers at the World Cup were solid. He scored on his tournament debut against Japan and finished with two goals and two assists before the Netherlands got bounced by Morocco in the round of 32.
His price tag is reasonable too. West Ham is asking around £50 million for him. That’s a lot less than what you’d have to pay for alternatives like Morgan Rogers or Iliman Ndiaye. United also have Mathias Fernandez-Pardo of Lille on their list, but Summerville appears to be the priority.
Two things have worked in United’s favor on this one. Liverpool had interest in Summerville but have since cooled off. And United themselves missed out on midfielder Mateus Fernandes, who went to Tottenham instead. That kind of thing tends to focus a club’s attention on other targets.
Carrick still wants to bring in two midfielders and a winger before the window closes. Whether he gets all of them probably depends on who leaves first. And right now, that question starts with Rashford.
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