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Manchester United secured a hard-fought 2-1 comeback win over Crystal Palace on Sunday and have now moved as much as seventh within the Premier League.
The Purple Devils lacked management within the first half and subsequently fell behind. Nonetheless, they stepped up their efforts after the break, with Joshua Zirkzee and Mason Mount securing all three factors.
Bruno Fernandes arrange each targets and now leads the league’s help charts, regardless that he has been working in a deeper midfield function this season.
Regardless of the Portuguese maestro’s impressed kind, the English giants are already trying to strengthen the place in 2026, with an eye fixed on the long run. A latest report relayed by The Peoples Person has named AZ Alkmaar starlet Kees Smit as an choice.
A star within the making
Smit rose via the ranks on the Dutch membership earlier than breaking into the senior facet in 2024. Such has been his rise that the 19 yr outdated is already a first-team common for Alkmaar.
This season, the Dutchman has made 22 appearances throughout competitions, 18 of which have been begins.
Kees Smit Stats: 2025/26 Season
| Competitors | Appearances | Targets | Assists | Yellow Playing cards | Purple Playing cards | Minutes Performed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eredivisie | 13 | 2 | 2 | 4 | – | 1,129′ |
| UEFA Convention League Qualifiers | 6 | – | 1 | – | – | 399′ |
| UEFA Convention League | 3 | – | 1 | 1 | – | 215′ |
| Whole | 22 | 2 | 4 | 5 | – | 1,743′ |
Supply: Transfermarkt.
The participant’s model of play has already drawn comparisons with Barcelona star Pedri, making him much more engaging for United.
With Fernandes on the incorrect facet of 30 and Kobbie Mainoo closely linked with an exit in 2026, the Purple Devils want a brand new controller in the course of the park.
Smit’s attributes make him a stellar choice for the job, and the Premier League giants have reportedly supplied €25 million for his signature. Nonetheless, it now seems that Real Madrid are planning to hijack the deal.
Actual Madrid need Smit
In response to Fichajes, Actual Madrid are planning to supply €50 million to win the race for Smit. The LaLiga giants goal to strengthen their midfield in 2026 and have zeroed in on {the teenager}.
Los Blancos are reportedly impressed by the Dutch midfielder’s potential to distribute the ball and recuperate possession. Kees has additionally been recognized as a extra reasonably priced different to Adam Wharton or Angelo Stiller.
Actual Madrid have already reserved funds for the transfer and are able to go all out to beat the competitors. The developments won’t please INEOS, whose reported provide falls considerably in need of Los Blancos’ proposal.
Ultimate Ideas
Kees has proven maturity past his years, and United must signal a couple of midfielder in 2026, particularly since Casemiro is out of contract subsequent summer season, so this transfer is sensible.
In the meantime, Kobbie Mainoo’s future continues to hold within the steadiness, so the Premier League giants could must inject a shot of youth in midfield if the Englishman finally ends up leaving.
As such, the Purple Devils are unlikely to surrender on the Dutchman with no combat. United have beforehand overwhelmed Actual Madrid within the race for Leny Yoro, and there’s no motive why they can not repeat the feat for Smit.
He is the teenage midfielder who reminds Ronald Koeman of Pedri, and he is caught the eye of loads of Europe’s greatest golf equipment already.
Meet Kees Smit – Dutch soccer’s new grasp of angles.
🔗 https://t.co/XcjqdcMB6E pic.twitter.com/7VIFEsyifi
— The Athletic | Soccer (@TheAthleticFC) November 21, 2025
Featured picture Daniel Jayo by way of Getty Photographs
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