‘Einstein’ can keep United in check

They called him “Einstein” because he was always studying. But he’s otherwise known as Ayyoub Bouaddi.

He’s only 18, from Morocco, and he could just be the signing of the summer.

We’ll see him on Sunday in the 199th Manchester derby. Wearing a City shirt.

They paid £86 million for him, less than the ‘century-plus’ signings of Elliot Anderson and Enzo Fernandez, but a lot for someone of such tender years.

But Bouaddi has always been ahead of his age.

He captained older kids at school, made his European debut three days after his 16th birthday, and helped Lille beat Real Madrid on his 17th.

Now he’s taking a degree in mathematics, he says, “because it enables me to keep my mind alert and understand the game quicker”.

City will be hoping he can do the equations amid the blood and thunder of a Manc derby, even if it is off the bench.

He earned rave reviews for his first start in a 2-0 win at Porto on Tuesday so he’s likely to play some part.

United fans are already feeling miffed by his comments on arriving in Manchester last month.

He said: “Manchester City are, for me, the best club in the world. It’s a dream to be here and be able to call myself a City player.”

There was a time when the world’s young stars looked up to United, but now, even without Pep Guardiola, City have that status.

Rubbing in the salt, he added: “I’ve watched City for many years, and I love their style of play. City always try and play quality football. And they have shown they are winners – this club feels like it’s built to win.”

City feel like favourites for the biggest game of the EPL weekend for a variety of reasons.

They have a 100% record, the new boys are bedding in nicely and, not least, they will have enjoyed a huge advantage in preparation.

If 24 hours is a long time in politics, what is 48 in football?

That’s how much longer City have to prepare for Sunday’s game.

Because of the crowded schedule, United drew the short straw of playing their Champions League game last night, whereas City played on Tuesday.

They had to travel, but only to Portugal, and since then have been on the training ground.

With all the data to analyse, recovery time and tactical tweaking to be done, it’s no wonder United boss Michael Carrick admitted that squeezing in a game against Azerbaijani opponents Sabah was “not ideal.”

United’s start has been decidedly mixed, with the shocker of an opening day defeat to Hull City followed by a 5-2 clattering of Ipswich.

Perhaps seeing two promoted sides as the opening fixtures brought an air of complacency to Carrick’s team.

But Everton’s stunning last-minute leveller would surely have removed any that remained.

What is worrying their fans is that United were almost bystanders in an admittedly manic transfer window.

Co-owner Jim Ratcliffe has made it clear they’re not going to pay “silly money”, but if that’s the market rate… you let your rivals get the goodies.

United did spend on midfielders and appear to be focusing on one aspect of the team per season.

Last summer, they strengthened the attack with Benjamin Sesko, Mateus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.

This season, Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos and Carlos Belaba arrived. The fees were enough to make Ratcliffe grit his teeth, if not quite leap off the balcony.
But it’s a strange way to fashion a side when the wisdom of generations tells you to build from the back.

And more so when even the ballboys can see where the weaknesses are.

At times, the defence can look like Dad’s Army.

United have the numbers but half of them are either injured or aging, and quantity is no substitute for quality.

The two English stalwarts, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw, are both in their 30s and seem ripe for back-up rather than starting roles this season.

Other experienced defenders, Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt are injured, while the youngsters are still to convince that they can stay fit, let alone be good enough.

Erling Haaland must be licking his lips.

Reports suggest they looked at Lewis Hall and Myles Lewis-Skelly, but the asking prices were not what Ratcliffe was prepared to pay.

In stark and eye-catching contrast, given the charges still hanging over the club, City do not hesitate to pay the big bucks.

But in topping the spending window, they have recruited well. A lot of talent and experience walked out of the Etihad in the summer, but the signs are that ‘The Irreplaceables’ have been astutely replaced.

But given his age and potential, Bouaddi looks like the jewel in the crown.

Although he got a blast from Haaland for not passing to him against Porto, the Norwegian said: “He did a really good game! In training, he’s been amazing. “I told the chairman we’ve got a gem there.”

A telltale sign that his teammates trust him was the confidence they had in passing to him even when he was well-marked. He always got out of trouble.

The French-born son of Moroccan parents may have the shaggy locks and languid look of a typical teenager, but ‘typical’ he’s anything but.

Eschewing social media and video games, he prefers to read books and play chess!

Form goes out of the window in a derby, but you feel he will help City keep United in check on Sunday.

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.

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