Manchester United have been heavily linked with a move for a striker this summer. A position where they have been lacking efficiently, creativity and pace. They have been more than dependent on current striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic who has scored majority of the goals this seasons.Joined United in the summer for a free transfer from PSG, he was or is considered the steal of the decade. At 35 he still has a free scoring ability he scores like it's just easy. He has got the hang of the Premier League very fast. But as he has signed just a one year contract he will be once again a free agent at the end of the season. With his future uncertain the club and looking for an ideal replacement who will spearheaded the United front three .There are many candidates who the club are watching Antoine Griezmann the perfect and most known. He will be just perfect, but with his uncertain future and commitment towards Athetico Madrid, the deal looks to slip away. As a result United are eyeing a move for two of the most profilic, young and deadly Premier League strikers, Harry Kane and Romelu Lukaku. The English and Belgian attackers are on the top of scoring charts.
Let's lay emphasis on Lukaku. The Everton striker who was eventually sold by Mourinho during his time at Chelsea. Currently with Everton at a young age of 23 he is on top of the world with his impressive form this season. Having already scored 21 goals this season and being the first one to do so with 6th placed Everton. We all know that he has rejected a new contract with the club and wants to move on. We can understand as a developing and promising player needs a big club who can offer him huge wages, Champions League football so that he can compete with the world's best. He has potential. A move to Old Trafford could be on the cards as he wants to move away, United can qualify for Champions League, Everton have less chances of qualifying for Europe and could not afford his wage demands which United easily can. Lukaku also shares the same agent Mino Raiola who in the summer helped brokered three deals for his clients who joined the club, being Mkhitaryan, Ibrahimovic and the world's most expensive player Paul Pogba. Due to his friendship with the clubs and recent history he could be a persuasive factor in bringing one more of his client to Manchester.
Let's have a look at his Premier League profile and Stats this season.
Nationality - Belgian
Age - 23
Kit Number - 10
Club - Everton
Games Played - 28
Goals - 21
Assists - 6
Successful Dribbles - 51
Preferred Foot - Left
Weak Foot Goals - 6
Headed Goals - 5
Position Preferred - Striker, Center Forward
Shot Accuracy - 65%
Pass Accuracy - 65%
Goals Inside The box - 20
Goals Outside The box - 1
Offsides - 28
Interested Clubs - Chelsea, Manchester United, Barcelona, PSG
Traits - Power Shot, Strong, Physical, Clinical Finisher,
Estimated Value - 60 - 70 million Pounds
Based on all the data Lukaku would be a nice fit in United he will add much needed pace and creative finishing. A young player who is unhappy at Everton and wants to move. United should take advantage of the situation and also knowing the player shares the same agent as three United stars.
Disadvantages
1. Competition
United will face fierce competition for his signature with likes of Barcelona and PSG.
2. History with Mourinho.
Lukaku may hold a grudge on Mourinho as he was sold by him at Chelsea. As a result he may reject a move.
3. Lack of European Experience.
Lukaku has very less or no Champions League experience with Chelsea and Everton. He is a great player but it would be unlikely that United will trust Lukaku with the sole attacking responsibility.
4. Heavy Price.
Everton have placed a 60 Million tag on Lukaku. United being big spenders, but would have second thoughts on paying such a big fee.
How will United play and use him?
Lukaku is a player who can fit in any formation. Mourinho favoring 4-3-3 he could play a striker with Martial and Mkhitaryan on the wings. He could also play as a lone striker, but given United's style a 4-3-3 Formation would be best suited for Lukaku.
Verdict.
Based on the stats and current situation Lukaku would be a great signing at fit for United but should not be a first option as there are far better candidates than him in Kane, Griezmann, Dybala, Mbappe.
No comments:
Post a Comment