With the current Premier League season coming to an end, attention will be turning towards recruitment for the 2023/24 season for both Manchester clubs.
City already has a well-established squad. But across town at United, there is plenty of room for improvement in all areas of the pitch.
Quite possibly the best and biggest name that could be about to become available is James Maddison of Leicester City.
There can be little doubt about the 26-year-olds pedigree, the only question mark is regarding his fitness, as Maddison does have a questionable injury record.
Reasons for Maddison to join United
The club’s current odds to win the Premier League (300/1) show that they don’t look likely to compete with City to win the title anytime soon.
However, they are 1/5 to finish in the top four this year, which would ensure Champions League football in the 2023/24 season.
What this says is the football betting odds are now saying that United are back in contention for honours again.
And if United can further strengthen their squad in the summer, it would make for interesting reading when the bookies release their Premier League winner odds for the 2023/24 season.
Maddison has just had a taste of the big time in the World Cup, and he may now feel it’s time to test himself in the Champions League as well.
United may well be able to give him that platform next season.
He’s just broken back into the England squad this season, gaining a place in Gareth Southgate’s 2022 World Cup squad.
And although he hasn’t been as regular in the national team squad as he would have liked, or as people may have expected, he must still harbour ambitions to play for his country more regularly.
That alone would be a reason for leaving.
Reasons why Maddison might not come to United
Manchester United already have Bruno Fernandes as their midfield playmaker, and Christian Eriksen supporting the Portuguese star.
Erik ten Hag might decide against buying another player in that position.
But on the flip side, Eriksen is now 31, and many might regard Maddison as an upgrade.
The player himself may decide his future lies elsewhere.
He has long been linked with Newcastle United and also with Spurs.
In the case of Newcastle, he may see it as an exciting project to become part of in its early stages.
But with clubs like Leicester City, Everton, Southampton and West Ham all in danger of the dreaded drop, there could be some real bargains available this summer.
And as Newcastle showed last season with their acquisition of Nick Pope from Burnley, there can be some decent players available from the relegated teams.
And if Leicester goes down, James Maddison may well be the best one this year.
