Why Man United must go all out to sign this £72m World Cup winner in January – could be a perfect addition

Why should Manchester United sign Lucas Hernandez

Manchester United have struggled in the opening weekends of this Premier League season. Having lost successive games away to Brighton and home to Spurs, Jose Mourinho’s men restored some parity by winning at Burnley just before the international break.

The break has given some much needed time to Mourinho for quirking his squad up before league football returns. Recent updates suggest United are now been linked with Atletico Madrid defender Lucas Hernandez. (Daily Star)

Mourinho was not given enough backing by the board in the summer, however, an iffy start to this season means January windows becomes hugely significant. Hernandez would prove to be a fruitful signing for the club given the defensive brilliance he has shown under Diego Simeone.

The Frenchman signed a new contract with the club, essentially keeping him tied to the Spanish capital until 2024. The La Liga outfit raised his release clause up to £72m at the same time, in an attempt to put off potential suitors. (Daily Star)

But that shouldn’t be a problem for Manchester United, who are one of the most financially powerful clubs in the world.

Simeone’s system of play on the counter-attack is pretty similar to what Mourinho likes to deploy in his teams. So in that sense, Hernandez wouldn’t take much time settling in at Old Trafford, if and when he arrives.

The 22-year-old was very much a part of all the action during the World Cup winning campaign with France. The defender was Didier Deschamps’ first choice left-back throughout the campaign. He picked up two assists in seven appearances for his country.

Hernandez is calm and composed on the ball, using his dribbling ability to maraud down the flank. He is defensively diligent and offensively intelligent. The Frenchman loves to surge up the field and whip in the crosses as so he often did for Les Bleus this summer.

He’s supreme at timing his challenges as well, rarely putting in a wrong foot. What makes him a perfect Mourinho defender is his agility and aggressive defending style.

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Hernandez’s versatility will also allow him to get deployed in either the flank or the centre, providing Mourinho with an ample number of options. United manager should definitely make a move for the player when the January transfer window opens.