Why Manchester United should go for Felipe Anderson in January
Back in 2017, Felipe Anderson, who was then playing for Lazio, had admitted his dream of playing for Manchester United. Fast forward to more than two years, he is one of the stars of Manuel Pellegrini’s West Ham squad.
Felipe Anderson, 26, moved to West Ham last summer and enjoyed a brilliant debut season in the Premier League. He managed nine goals and four assists in 36 league games as the Hammers earned a respectable tenth-place finish.
The Brazilian international has quickly established himself as one of the most dangerous attacking players at the London Stadium and after enjoying a solid debut campaign with West Ham, Manchester United must reignite their interest in the player when the transfer window reopens.
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is trying to get an identity and style back that we all recognise. But Solskjaer finds himself in a rut now having presided over just three wins in the last games. After the 4-0 opening day thrashing of Chelsea, his team has picked up just two points in the last three games.
Amidst the negativity surrounding at Old Trafford, there have been a couple of positives for Solskjaer to take. The Red Devils’ best players so far this season have been Solskjaer signings, which is exactly why the Norwegian tactician needs to be given time.
United’s three summer signings—Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Daniel James and Harry Maguire—have seamlessly slotted in Solskjaer’s squad.
Solskjaer cannot afford to worry about anything but improving this team, and there are signs that his style of football could be successful.
Going by the impact his new signings have made at Old Trafford, United should persist with the Norwegian and if he makes it till the New Year, they must back him in the transfer market.
A lack of creativity in the final third has hindered United’s progress this season. Paul Pogba has played a deeper role thus far, while Jesse Lingard is yet to score for the club in this calendar year. Juan Mata is a creative midfielder but he is slow and has entered his 30s.
Felipe Anderson could just be perfect to solve United’s creativity problems. He is extremely versatile as the 26-year-old can play on the left, right, through the middle as a no.10 or a secondary striker, something that could be an attractive proposition for Solskjaer.
The Brazilian is an excellent dribbler with good pace and energy to burn. He is skilful, a good crosser of the ball from out wide and a threat from dead-ball situations.
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Not only is he exciting going forward, but also shows great work ethic as Anderson always tracks back and helps his teammates out. All in all, the ex-Lazio ace could be a real upgrade over the inconsistent Lingard and the ageing Mata.
Verdict
Without any second thoughts, United must plot a January swoop for Anderson, whose acquisition could help the club get back into the top four this season.