Man Utd’s ideal Kobbie Mainoo replacement is sitting at Sunderland AFC | OneFootball

Man United are one of six Premier League clubs linked with a move for Jobe Bellingham

Manchester United’s solution to their summer business this year could well involve pursuing Sunderland’s Jobe Bellingham.

It was reported earlier this week by Teamtalk that the Red Devils are one of six clubs eyeing a move for the midfielder.

The Premier League club failed in their pursuit of the 19-year-old’s older brother Jude back in 2020, and will now be looking to ensure they don’t miss out again five years later.

The younger Bellingham has enjoyed two strong seasons in the Championship with Sunderland, going from strength to strength as he gains more experience, helping the club fight for promotion back to the top flight.

But if the Wearside outfit are not promoted this year, then a move to the Premier League is very much on the cards, and he could find himself as the ideal Kobbie Mainoo replacement at Old Trafford.

Manchester United’s midfield issues

Man United’s on-field issues under Ruben Amorim are quite apparent, with the Portuguese coach struggling to put together a consistent XI that fits his preferred style of play.

This means this summer will be quite important if he is to become the man to turn things around in Manchester.

But the financial issues off the field mean that it’s not so simple as in the recent past, whereby the new manager can come in and immediately spend north of £200 million without any consequences.

Players will need to be sold, and one of their most sellable assets is Mainoo, who came through the academy system last year to cement himself as a regular member of the first team squad.

It’s been reported that the midfielder has been unable to agree terms on a new deal, with his contract running until 2027, meaning a sale might be the solution Man United seek to raise funds and avoid the player’s value decreasing as we approach its expiration.

If Mainoo leaves, then the pursuit of Bellingham would make for a perfect replacement, especially with Christian Eriksen and Casemiro also likely to depart.

Jobe Bellingham’s Man United fit

The Sunderland youngster can work as both a number eight and a number 10, with a level of versatility that would suit Amorim’s style of play, even if his lack of defensive output is something that could be worked on.

That he’s still only 19 also makes him a good fit for the club’s more sustainable recruitment model, which has seen signings like Ayden Heaven and Patrick Dorgu made in recent months.

Man United need someone in midfield to progress the ball, and Bellingham has achieved 4.56 progress passes per 90 in the Championship this season, as well as 1.25 progressive carries, meaning he has the tools to fill a serious weakness in their game, albeit there will be some reservations over his immediate capability of scaling this up for Premier League football.

Bellingham has also contributed 2.74 shot creating actions per 90, as well as 1.35 shots per game, meaning he can bring value to their attack from midfield, which has struggled this year under Amorim.

The Sunderland star working alongside Manuel Ugarte could prove a solid partnership, with the latter bringing defensive solidity and the former adding attacking flair.

Bruno Fernandes is another player that would enjoy working alongside Bellingham, as it would take the creative burden away from the Portuguese and allow him to remain further up the field in more threatening final third positions.

Another midfielder joining on top of Bellingham is a distinct possibility given the number of possible exits, but youngster Toby Collyer is someone else that will benefit from having Bellingham in the squad.

Man United are certainly in a rebuilding phase, which might turn off someone like Bellingham, but if he can be convinced then the Red Devils could do a lot worse than bringing him in as a replacement, should Mainoo walk away from Old Trafford.