The ideal deadline day Man Utd and Rangers swap deal for Ruben Amorim after Man Utd exit collapses - opinion

Manchester United’s deadline day is one that could go to the wire with Ruben Amorim getting something closer to the type of squad that he wants.

The average age is down to just over 25-years old with the impression from the outside being that this is a squad that will grow together, rather than being ripped up and rebuilt every summer. There is a core of young players with a lot of senior experience, but also wise and older heads like Harry Maguire, Matthijs de Ligt and Bruno Fernandes to add to players like Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha who are both approaching their peak years. The signing of Emiliano Martinez would add even more experience to the squad.

There are still gaps and areas that need to be tweaked, however, getting the five players who demanded to leave Old Trafford out the door should lead to a much more harmonious squad and one that is all aboard in terms of Amorim’s masterplan. One player who might have to come grovelling back to the Red Devils’ boss is Tyrell Malacia who faces an anxious wait to see if he will have a new club. A deadline day move to Elche has already collapsed.

Swap deal solution to solve Man Utd’s Tyrell Malacia problem

One option that could suit United is to solve two problems at once by sending the Netherlands international out on loan as part of a deal to sign one of Belgium’s brightest talents. After a falling out with Russell Martin, Rangers midfield dynamo Nicolas Raskin – who was outstanding at Old Trafford when the two teams met last season – was forced to watch the first Old Firm derby of the season from his living room despite being called up by his international team once again.

As Rangers’ player of the season last year, he now finds himself on the outside looking in with Martin refusing to discuss the 24-year old’s future.

According to Rangers media source, Inside Ibrox, United have been keeping tabs on the powerhouse midfielder’s situation: “The move (for Rangers to sign Kenny McLean) will require the departure of Raskin, linked with Crystal Palace, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Manchester United in recent days. There are still hopes of reconciliation between the Belgian and Martin, but with the deadline approaching decisions must be made both on his future, and his replacement.”

Rangers have sold three first-team left-backs this summer and have signed only one on loan, teenager Jayden Meghoma from Brentford. Having a more experienced operator like Malacia, even if just for a season, would provide them with greater cover and more depth in a position that looks incredibly short to compete in four competitions. As part of a loan to buy deal, Malacia could be a valuable make weight and still give him the chance to play in European competition.

Premier League clubs keeping an eye on Nicolas Raskin

Raskin, according to former United chief scout Mick Brown who spoke to Football Insider earlier this summer, has been watched by Premier League clubs already and there is no reason why Old Trafford couldn’t be his next destination:

“Premier League sides have been looking at Raskin,” he told Football Insider. English clubs are always keeping an eye on the best players in Scotland. They’ve had scouts watching him both in Scotland and in the Europa League as they try to figure out whether he’s ready for the step up. Rangers have had a really poor season, they’ve been so inconsistent.

“What the clubs need to figure out is whether he’s been part of that inconsistency or he’s involved in it but not one of the reasons for it. There are a few doubts because of the difference between the SPFL and the Premier League. That gap in quality is always growing, and especially with Rangers at the moment. So he’s certainly got admirers, but I’m not sure whether they’ll be ready to make a move.”