After making their first signing of the summer, having extended the loan deal of former Watford striker Odion Ighalo until January 2021, Manchester United are now looking to strengthen their options on the wings.
The Red Devils spent heavily last summer in order to address their issues at right-back, center-back and attacking midfield, with the Premier League giants now looking to buy a right-winger.
Borussia Dortmund ace Jadon Sancho remains a long-term target for Manchester United, however, the Englishman would cost the Red Devils over €100 million, given his current contract with the BVB which runs until the summer of 2022.
The Old Trafford outfit’s heavy spendings last summer, combined with the financial restraints due to the coronavirus-enforced break could force Ole Gunnar Solksjaer to look for alternatives to Sancho.
As a result, they have drawn up a shortlist of players, including Argentine sensation Thiago Almada, who currently plies his trade for Velez Sarsfield in the Superliga Argentina.
As per the Manchester Evening News, sources in Argentina have made Manchester United’s interest in the player evident, with other European elites also keeping track on the youngster.
Thiago Almada player profile:
The 19-year-old has been attracting plenty of interest from Europe, as he’s a versatile winger who can play on the right-wing as well as in the attacking midfielder’s role.
Thiago Almada has been a regular feature for Argentina’s youth teams, and at club level, he has registered six goals and two assists this season before the Argentinian league was suspended.
Manchester United’s local rivals Manchester City were also tracking the youngster, but it seems the Citizens have cooled their interest.
How would Thiago Almada fit in at Manchester United?
Given the fact that Manchester United signed Daniel James from Swansea last summer, Thiago Almada, should he move to Old Trafford, will have to compete with the Welshman for a place on the right-wing.
United’s hierarchy have identified that position as a potential weak spot, and they are, therefore, willing to address the issue.
Almada can play as a number 10, or as an out-and-out winger on the right-hand side.
Given the fact that Manchester United recently signed Bruno Fernandes, who would most certainly play in the attacking midfielder’s role, the youngster would most certainly have to fight it out with Daniel James for a place in the starting XI.
What are United’s other alternatives?
Besides Jadon Sancho, Manchester United have also been linked with Juventus outcast Federico Bernardeschi, who is eager for regular playing time.
The Italian would certainly bring a lot more to the table in comparison to Thiago Almada, but that said, Bernardeschi wouldn’t come cheap either.
Manchester United have also been linked with the young Wales duo of Rabbi Matondo and David Brooks in the past, and it remains to be seen which of the aforementioned names actually come to Old Trafford.