Forget it Jose: Manchester United must avoid signing £62m Tottenham star and stick with Martial instead

Why Manchester United should avoid signing Tottenham star Son Heung-min

Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool have been linked with making a move for Tottenham Hotspur’s attacking sensation Heung-min Son, who is also reportedly open to the idea of leaving Spurs this summer.

Spurs, who have emerged as an admirable force under Mauricio Pochettino in recent years, acquired Son from Bayer Leverkusen for £22m in the summer of 2015. He has thus far scored 47 goals in 139 appearances for the north London club.

The 25-year-old South Korean was in great form at the World Cup as he scored a great goal against Mexico last week before netting his nation’s second goal in their memorable  2-0 triumph over Germany which knocked the defending champions out of the tournament. However, South Korea also failed to clear the group stage hurdle.

Son, who is comfortable with both feet, prefers to operate from the left flank. He was a vital player for Spurs last season as they finished in the top-four for the third consecutive season. Son still has two years left on his present with Tottenham, who value him at £62m.

Manchester United, who could look to part ways with Anthony Martial this summer, have identified Son as a possible replacement for the Frenchman. A move for the South Korean seems to be the most popular choice for United, considering his current form but it will be a huge gamble which might not pay off for the Red Devils.

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho signed Alexis Sanchez from Arsenal in January and the Chilean is capable of playing down the left flanks. Moreover, Marcus Rashford has also been utilised time and again in a similar role by the Portuguese manager.

Martial is an incredible talent, yet he slipped down the pecking order at Old Trafford under Mourinho for failing to meet the manager’s demanded work ethics. Son in place of Martial will be a like-for-like replacement in terms of quality and style of play, and the Spurs attacker will also struggle to flourish at Manchester United if burdened with excess defensive duties.

As a result, United refrain from signing Son, who is undoubtedly one of the finest attackers in the Premier League football. But he is unlikely to adapt to Mourinho’s vision, strategy, philosophy and playing style.