Manchester United considering January transfer for Como midfielder Nico Paz

Manchester United are without a win in nine matches in all competitions, and recent results have not only compounded the pressure on Michael Carrick, but performances of some players have also come under scrutiny of late.

Bruno Fernandes has been one of United’s biggest underperforming players this season and barring a hat-trick versus Ipswich Town very early in the season, the Portuguese international has failed to make any noteworthy impact.

After passively criticising the manager’s tactics two weeks ago, the captain was benched against Bournemouth and it is increasingly starting to look like he is ending the end of his time at Old Trafford, with the club lining up replacements too.

El Nacional has reported that Como midfielder Nico Paz has emerged as a prime target for Manchester United and subject to Fernandes’ future at the club, the Red Devils could look to sign the Argentine international as soon as in January.

Paz has made a terrific start to the season with five goals and six assists in all competitions. Real Madrid have a buyback clause worth £67 million for the 20-year-old, so it’s fair to think Man United will need to better the price to sign the Como midfielder.

United unlikely to be able to sign Paz

Nico Paz is one of Europe’s best numbers 10s. His offensive returns speak for themselves, but beyond his numbers, his positioning in pockets of space, intelligent runs and ability to dictate play with pinpoint passing make him a top talent.

Real Madrid will be in the picture to sign him, but with Arda Guler and Jude Bellingham doing exceedingly well, it remains to be seen if the Whites are indeed keen on activating their buyback clause. However, a move to Manchester United may be a tall order.

For a player of Paz’s calibre, who will have some of Europe’s biggest clubs vying for his services, a move to Old Trafford could represent a backward step considering Man United’s lack of success lately across all competitions.

The Red Devils are short on several fronts and without a promising sporting project ahead, they will find it hard to attract the world’s best crop of talent, not least a player like Nico Paz, for whom there will be widespread demand.