After years of inconsistency, Manchester United has returned to the market due to the presence of a reliable, defensive midfield.
Casemiro’s experiment is promising at first, but upsetting.
The decline in mobility and undiscipline of position among Brazilians remain unified against high-intensity opposition.
In 2023/24, Casemiro ranked the worst in the Premier League due to his defensive midfielder tackles and intercepts per 90-man tackles and intercept.
Coupled with United’s chaotic structure, his struggle to adapt to the Premier League pace has led to criticism from critics and supporters.
He is now approaching 34 and his time at the top level is running out.
United’s recruitment strategy under new minority shareholders, Ir Jimratcliffe is moving towards a more structured long-term plan.
One target of meticulous consideration may fit their profile and may not have the same elegance or influence as Manchester City’s Rodri, but the similarities between them suggest that it could be United’s answer to rival midfield metronomes.
Seeing signing a new defensive monster, Man United
Joanne Pargigna may not have the same quality as Rodri, but few European midfielders are more proficient in the dark arts of defending.
The 30-year-old Portuguese has built a reputation as one of the continent’s finest destroyers. This is a player who can stop attacks, control duels and provide structural discipline in front of the backline.
Labeled as a “defensive monster” by recruitment analyst Marcus Bringas, Parkhinya first attracted the Premier League attention with several successful campaigns with Fulham.
His controlled aggression, tackle timing and elite aerodynamic blend quickly gained praise across the continent.
Things haven’t clicked after 50 million euros (£43 million) moved to Bayern Munich in 2024. He played just 25 games in all competitions last season, only 10 of which have started, and he has struggled to fit Vincent Company’s plans.
As Bayern aims to reduce losses, Portuguese outlet O Jogo reports that both Tottenham and Manchester United are monitoring his situation and that the Spurs are the only club to hold formal negotiations.
Yet, for the right system, Parkigna remains a force of nature.
How does Pargigna compare to Rodriguez?
Over the past 365 days in Europe’s top five leagues, Parkigna ranks in the 93rd percentile in tackles around the 90th percentile (3.19), with 96th ranked in the 97th (92.4%) in pass completions, winning a duel (2.34).
His numbers show not only a defensive destroyer, but also a safe and clever player on the ball.
What Pargigna especially excels is to win duels and prevent counterattacks.
He has successfully tackled 67.8% of the dribblers he faces compared to Rodri’s 48.3%, highlighting his excellent 1-on-1 defensive ability.
He also created 1.90 blocks per 90, nearly twice as many Rodrie (0.98), earning 5.07 tackles per 90, over twice as much as Rodrie’s average of 2.15.
Yes, Rodri is a great all-around. His vision, ball progression and tempo setting abilities are unparalleled in the UK.
He dominates the game with positioning and intelligence, often directing ownership on the Manchester City side, who sees more than 60% of the ball in most matches.
But Palhinha works in a different context. In Fulham he regularly faced waves after waves of pressure. Play breakup, covering spaces in transition, dealing with long term without ownership.
He was forced to defend urgently, much more frequently than Rodri. However, he still maintains elite level pass completion rates and positional fields.
For United, he is much better suited to Premier League strength than Casemiro has proven to be the last 12 months.
At 30, he offers experience and leadership, but also has the engine that covers the ground and acuteness that controls the air.
United’s interest also has a personal meaning when considering Reuben Amorim, who conched Parja in Sports CP.
Importantly, Parghinha also gave United’s new offensive signatures, Matthews Kuña and Brian Mbeumo, the freedom to manipulate the pitch ascent, knowing that midfield bases are secured.
He is not necessarily tasked with determining build-up plays and tempos, but rather providing a solid platform that others can build from the same roles Rodri played in the early urban era to a deeper playmaker.
He may not be Rodri. There are almost none. But if United wants a version of their own, they can quietly and consistently protect the backline, win midfield fights and bring in the necessary control.
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