Man Utd urged to complete 'controversial' transfer for ex-Arsenal captain

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Peter Schmeichel believes it would be a no-brainer for Manchester United to pursue Granit Xhaka this summer as part of the ambitious plans to revamp their midfield.

The Red Devils want to sign at least two new central midfielders this summer as they look to build on securing a return to the Champions League under Michael Carrick , who is now the frontrunner to become the club's permanent head coach after winning 10 of his 14 games in charge.

A host of midfielders have already been linked with United in recent weeks including the likes of Elliot Anderson, Aurelien Tchouameni, Sandro Tonali and Carlos Baleba.

But United legend Schmeichel reckons Xhaka would be an ideal signing after watching the 33-year-old enjoy a stellar 2025-26 campaign back in the Premier League with Sunderland .

Speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast , the Dane said: “I have one (signing), maybe controversial in thinking, but I think we should go and sign Xhaka. Cheaper. I make my case, we are going to build a team around Kobbie. Casemiro is leaving. Bring in Wharton and Anderson or whatever, who are still young. What we don’t have really is proper leadership. When I look and see what Xhaka has done at Sunderland, he is the reason why they are absolutely amazing.

“His leadership qualities are great, he can play 80 per cent of the games, and he is a very good player. I know he can do it. If he does one or two years, we need leadership.

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“I know Tonali is mentioned, but has he done enough at Newcastle to warrant that... I think Xhaka would bring a lot to the dressing room and have power around the person, which is rare. We’re desperate for more leadership.”

Xhaka has been a revelation after linking up with the Black Cats, who have exceeded all expectations this term after winning promotion via the Championship play-offs.

And Schmeichel believes the former Arsenal captain would add more leadership to a squad which has a dearth of leaders, bar Harry Maguire and club captain, Bruno Fernandes .

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He continued: “Harry Maguire is a fantastic leader. I do think he is. I think Bruno is. He's a leader in his own way, but he's a leader, and he leads a lot by how he plays. But then I look at the rest of the squad, you know, they're followers.

We've been in squads where everyone was leading. We know the value of having those players in there because on a Sunday or a Tuesday night, I always said, a Tuesday night where everything is going against you.

“You need somebody who can pull you out by the hair, the short hairs, and get you playing or find that little bit to bring you up. And that value of having that … and I've been thinking about this for a while. I think that would be a really good thing. I want somebody like that.”