Scout Report: Fabinho
Another player being linked with a move to Manchester United is Fabinho from Monaco, the 21-year-old Brazilian had a great season for the French club as he helped them stay in the Champions League and he broke into the limelight thanks to his impressive performances for the club in the league as he helped them to a third place in Ligue 1.
The Brazilian has had quite a journey into the world of football as he has played in Spain, Brazil, and France and only turned 21 recently, why do Manchester United want to sign someone so young? Well, let’s find out.
A star in the making
Fabinho started his career at Fluminense in Brazil but didn’t get a lot of chances to play for the club; in fact he left the club even before making an appearance and signed for Rio Ave on a six-year deal. But just after one season at the club, he joined the Real Madrid Castilla side as he hoped to make it big into the Real Madrid senior squad.
He did represent the first team as he came on for Fabio Coentrao in 2013 but he was sent out on a year-long loan to Monaco. One year became two and he stayed at the club before making his deal permanent and now hopes to complete a move to one of the biggest clubs in the World in Manchester United.
The 21-year-old hasn’t played the most games last season for Monaco, in fact he has only represented the team in 19 games in the league, and he didn’t even make an appearance in the Champions League for the club.
Fabinho is versatile enough to play in a defensive midfield position as well, but his preferred position is that of a right back. The Brazilian has impressed enough in the league and claimed a place in the Brazil squad for the Copa America being held currently.
The defender has a great ability on the ball and is comfortable in making a pass or joining the attack, as most Brazilians can. He does have a bit of pace on him which helps him recover positions fast and can also cover his other teammates if they are caught out of position. Fabinho doesn’t have the best shot in him but that isn’t expected from a defender and the biggest problem in his game is his lack of physicality, he does need to improve that and his aerial ability.
Fabinho would be an upgrade on another Brazilian, Fabio at Manchester United; would United be willing to pay the required price to sign him? Only time can tell that.