Manchester United has showcased their intent in the transfer market this summer under the new INEOS ownership, acquiring esteemed defender Leny Yoro from Lille and striker Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna.
Following a lackluster 2023/24 Premier League campaign where they ended up in eighth place, United redeemed their season by clinching the FA Cup, overcoming Manchester City 2-1 at Wembley with first-half goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo.
This FA Cup triumph earned United a spot in the Europa League for the next season. However, with significanUtnvestment, the club’s goal is to re-enter the Champions League for the 2025/26 season.
Recent transfer updates indicate that Manchester United is evaluating PSV Eindhoven’s Joey Veerman as a potential alternative to PSG midfielder Manuel Ugarte. To facilitate this acquisition, United is reportedly looking to offload Scott McTominay, seeking £40 million for the Scotland international. Veerman, priced at £34 million by Transfermarkt, had an outstanding season with PSV, making 41 appearances in all competitions, scoring seven goals, providing 19 assists, and accumulating 3,420 minutes of play.
Veerman’s style of play is likened to Manchester City’s Rodri, according to FBref’s “similar players” analysis. With United aiming to replace Casemiro and find a new midfield partner for Mainoo, Veerman could be an excellent fit. His technical proficiency, defensive screening, ability to disrupt counterattacks, and game management make him a potential key asset for United.
A statistical comparison of Veerman, Rodri, and Casemiro per 90 minutes highlights Veerman’s strengths:
– Non-Penalty Goals: Veerman (0.19), Rodri (0.22), Casemiro (0.13)
– Shots Total: Veerman (2.19), Rodri (1.84), Casemiro (1.84)
– Assists: Veerman (0.60), Rodri (0.27), Casemiro (0.08)
– Shot-Creating Actions: Veerman (9.48), Rodri (5.06), Casemiro (1.93)
– Passes Attempted: Veerman (83.99), Rodri (113.85), Casemiro (63.69)
– Progressive Passes: Veerman (11.86), Rodri (12.28), Casemiro (5.15)
– Progressive Carries: Veerman (1.96), Rodri (2.85), Casemiro (0.54)
– Key Passes: Veerman (4.91), Rodri (1.61), Casemiro (0.71)
– Tackles: Veerman (2.57), Rodri (2.08), Casemiro (3.73)
– Aerials Won: Veerman (1.17), Rodri (1.46), Casemiro (1.76)
Veerman, termed a “box crasher” by analyst Ben Mattinson, offers a broad range of skills beyond his goal-scoring. His creative passing metrics are notable, making 4.91 key passes per 90 and 11.86 progressive passes per 90, which are comparable to Rodri’s 12.28 progressive passes per 90, highlighting Veerman’s ability to control the game from a deeper role. This skill was evident in his performances for the Netherlands in Euro 2024, drawing comparisons to Rodri.
Incorporating Veerman’s technical skills, passing variety, and ball-carrying capability into United’s midfield would enhance their build-up play and allow Mainoo to advance into more attacking positions. Defensively, Veerman also makes substantial contributions, with 2.57 tackles, 1.13 blocks, and 1.17 aerial duels won per 90 minutes. These figures are close to Rodri’s and not far behind Casemiro’s, who is showing signs of age-related decline.
Overall, adding Joey Veerman could provide Manchester United with the technical stability, creativity, and defensive attributes needed to strengthen their midfield and support their goal of returning to the Champions League.
