Shea Charles scouted by Manchester United

Manchester United is set to undergo a midfield overhaul this summer.

A number of names have been linked as replacements for Casemiro who is set to depart at the end of this season, with both Sandro Tonali and Elliot Anderson the two standout names, but the possibility of missing out on those two have encouraged United to widen their scouting net.

One name has reportedly now been added to their shortlist.

At just 22-years-old, Shea Charles, Southampton’s defensive midfielder, has been attracting attention from Premier League clubs including Manchester and Everton, as reported by the Daily Mail, after scoring the winner that sent his side into the FA Cup semi-finals with a stunning 2-1 win over Arsenal.

United have scouts monitoring him ahead of next season, with his valuation understood to be in the region of £20 million, a fairly modest price tag in this modern transfer window we find ourselves in.

Originally signed by Southampton from Manchester City in the summer of 2023 for an initial fee of £10.5 million.

The move was overseen by then-Saints director of football Jason Wilcox, who is now at United.

This season in the EFL Championship, Shea Charles has 34 appearances, registering 4 goals for the Saints in one of the most demanding leagues.

Statistical data shows that he isn’t juts a flashy moments player.

Shea Charles ranks in the 58% percentile among midfielders in the Championship for chances created and 87% for aerial duels won which United will be looking at to replace Casemiro’s aerial presence.

He ranks in the 86% percentile for defensive contributions.

Those figures reflect a player capable of both shielding a back line and driving forward when needed, a profile United have identified as a possible solution to the hole that will be left by Casemiro’s departure.

There is also an international dimension to his resume.

Shea Charles has been capped 33 times at senior level for Northern Ireland, giving him experience on a bigger stage, something that can’t be said for all midfielders his age.

For United, targeting someone like Charles makes sense.

He is suitable for the rigours of English football, his young and has loads of potential and comes with a modest transfer fee.

In reality though, he would be far down on that midfield shortlist.

United are looking to bring in Premier League proven talent and all the midfielders been linked with the club, beside Charles, are that.

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