Berbatov claims Man Utd target ‘has everything’; tells Ten Hag to sign ‘proven’ Chelsea midfielder | OneFootball

Dimitar Berbatov thinks reported Man Utd target Joao Palhinha “has everything” and the midfielder may feel that “it’s time” for him to make the “next step”.

The midfielder was one of the players who joined Fulham last summer. They paid around £20m to bring him in from Sporting Lisbon.

The Cottagers have surpassed expectations this term as they were pre-season favourites for relegation. Palhinha has been one of the signings of the 2022/23 season and it is surely only a matter of time before he moves on.

It was reported earlier this month that Man Utd and Liverpool are among six clubs interested in the midfielder.

Berbatov played for Man Utd and Fulham during his own career. He feels Palhinha is “good enough” to play for the Red Devils.

“Yes, he certainly has the quality to do so. He’s having a great season for Fulham and he’s at that moment in his career, at the age of 27, where he can become even better,” Berbatov told Betfred.

“He has everything that a holding midfielder needs. He’s not afraid of challenges, he can pass, he’s great at spraying a diagonal ball and switching the play. He’s also capable of scoring goals too.

“If a team like Manchester United, or a team of a similar calibre, comes for him, then he’s going to think it’s time for the next step and to win trophies.

“He’s had a brilliant first season in the Premier League but he needs to maintain that level of consistency. He can’t believe that all the hard work is done after one season because remaining consistent is going to benefit his career a lot more. He is good enough to play for Manchester United at the moment.”

Mason Mount is another midfielder who is likely to be on the market this summer.

Berbatov feels that Man Utd should move for the England international.

“[Mount] is a talent and I like to see young players making the next step and the next challenge of moving to a bigger club,” Berbatov added.

“He’s at a big club already, of course, but let’s say if Manchester United can’t sign Jude Bellingham, then why shouldn’t they sign Mason Mount?

“He has the talent and he has proven quality. At the end of the day, when you sign new players, you need to ask yourself whether you need them, where are they going to play and who’s not going to play as a result of a new player coming in. The manager needs to have the answers for these questions.”