Alex Iwobi: 2 reasons Man Utd should sign the Fulham midfielder

Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi is nearing a milestone for the African player with the most appearances in the English Premier League, but he could offer more than that to Manchester United, who find themselves in the relegation zone.

The Red Devils have invested heavily in strengthening their midfield, but a key feature of Iwobi’s game could help the Record English Champions find some stability this season.

The 30-year-old has become an important figure at Craven Cottage since joining from Everton in 2023, showing versatility across several midfield and attacking roles.

His latest performances have also garnered attention through a Ballity Insight Lab graphic comparing 71 Premier League midfielders in the 2026/27 campaign.

Iwobi features in the chart’s elite ‘Creates + Box Impact’ category, alongside Bruno Fernandes, Martin Ødegaard, Ryan Cherki and Enzo Fernández.

The ranking measures players’ percentile performances within their respective role pools, rather than simply comparing their goals and assists.

2 reasons why Manchester United should consider bringing Alex Iwobi to Old Trafford

1. Iwobi’s creativity

Iwobi’s ability to create opportunities is arguably his biggest selling point. According to FotMob’s Premier League statistics, the Fulham midfielder has created 24 chances in the 2026/27 campaign, ranking third in the division.

Only Pascal Groß and Morgan Gibbs-White have matched or bettered that figure, while Iwobi sits ahead of Fernandes, Florian Wirtz, Ødegaard and Cole Palmer.

His average of 2.61 chances created per 90 minutes also places him among the competition’s leading providers.

That is interesting for United, who already have Fernandes as their primary creative outlet. Having another midfielder capable of unlocking defences would give more options when opponents concentrate on limiting the Portuguese playmaker’s influence, or whenever he’s out of form, as has been the theme this season.

Iwobi’s creativity is not restricted to the final pass either. His ability to carry possession, find teammates between the lines and move the ball into dangerous areas could help United progress attacks effectively.

The Nigerian’s previous performances also demonstrate that he can operate in different midfield roles, rather than being limited to the traditional number ten position. He can play on the flank, in central roles, and as a box-to-box midfielder.

2. His box impact

Perhaps the most interesting aspect of Iwobi’s Ballity ranking is that he does not excel in creativity alone.

The graphic places him among the strongest midfielders for both chance creation and box-crashing impact. In other words, he can contribute to building attacks before also becoming an option to put the ball into the back of the net when his team reaches the penalty area.

That combination could be useful for United, particularly when they need additional runners beyond their forwards.

Alex Iwobi has also demonstrated that he can adapt to different tactical responsibilities during his time at Fulham, making him an option who could provide cover across more than one midfield position.

Still, there is a question of recruitment priorities. United’s midfield already includes players such as Carlos Baleba, Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, while the club still need to maintain the right balance between creativity, physicality and defensive protection.

Iwobi would not necessarily solve every midfield problem at Old Trafford, but his ability to influence attacks in two different ways makes him an attractive option.

At 30, he would also bring considerable Premier League experience, having previously played for Arsenal and Everton before establishing himself at Fulham.

The challenge for United would be deciding whether his qualities justify another investment in an attacking-minded midfielder.