Why Manchester United should go for Everton Soares in January

Back in July, a report from the Manchester Evening News had claimed Manchester United had sent scouts to watch Gremio forward Everton Soares.

Everton Soares, 23, was the breakout star of the 2019 edition of Copa America, replacing the injured Neymar helping Brazil and winning the Golden Boot as Brazil won the tournament.

He scored three goals and bagged one assist which saw him beat Peru striker Paolo Guerrero to the gong, as the Selecao won their first trophy since 2007.

He was Grermio’s top scorer last season with 10 goals in 28 appearances and has hit the ground running in the new campaign as well, managing eight goals and four assists so far.

With Everton impressing for both club and country since the start of the year, Manchester United must rekindle their interest in him during the January transfer window.

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is under pressure amid the club’s indifferent start to the new Premier League season. The club has won just two of their opening eight league fixtures to sit two points above the relegation zone going into the international break.

Goals have been a big problem for Solskjaer’s side so far this season, with the club’s tally of nine bettered by 12 of their 19 top-flight rivals.

The Red Devils allowed Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez to leave the club in the summer transfer window that has affected United’s productivity in front of goal. Not only goals, but Solskjaer’s men have also lacked creativity in the final third of the pitch.

In Marcus Rashford, Daniel James, Anthony Martial, Jesse Lingard and Mason Greenwood, the Red Devils have a lot of pace in their attack. What they are missing at the moment are goals and creativity and Everton Soares could provide that in abundance.

Everton is one of quickest players in the top tier of Brazil and can make a few dangerous runs behind the opposition backline. He is a left-winger by trade but is equally adept playing from the right or through the middle. If the Brazilian was to come in then there wouldn’t be an immediate expectation on him to lead the line and offer an upgrade for United.

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An explosive dribbler who can deceive the defenders with his quick feet and spotless control on the ball, Everton is a real threat in the final third.

He has a box of trickery that gives him the edge over a defender in isolated 1v1 situations. He has a knack for scoring goals from outside the box, whilst carving open defences with his incisive passing.

Verdict

The Gremio star will undoubtedly solve United’s problems in front of goal. If the club were able to land Everton, with some patience and proper coaching he could become an asset for the first-team squad.