Will Signing This £53Million-Rated Star Solve Manchester United’s Left-Back Woes?
Manchester United are reportedly interested in a move for Napoli left-back Faouzi Ghoulam and might have to shell out a sum of £53million to land him. Until now, the Italian club were hesitant about letting the talented defender leave but they are understood to be edging closer to signing a deal for Alejandro Grimaldo from Benfica and if that were to happen, Ghoulam will be free to join Old Trafford this time.
The need for a left-back at United is stronger than ever right now. This is one area that the Red Devils have struggled with for the longest time. Luke Shaw was brought in from Southampton to address this very issue but after a season-ending injury befell him, the player had to remain sidelined despite showing initial promise. Since then, Jose Mourinho has had to rely on makeshift left-backs and some days are better than the other.
However, Ashley Young has proven to be quite a revelation at that spot lately. Although he is primarily a winger, Young has put up a slew of strong defensive displays operating from that position and has easily been one of United’s better players throughout the season so far. Since he has the experience of playing in more advanced positions as well, he is able to provide attacking support as well and that has helped improve the club’s activity on the left side.
That said, Young cannot be viewed as a long-term option. He is 32 years of age and can offer only a couple of years of top-class football from here on. Hence, the need to sign a new left-back is stronger than ever and Ghoulam does seem like a viable option.
He provides attacking support as well and that is illustrated by the fact that he has scored 2 goals and 3 assists so far this season. Ghoulam is aerially sound and has a penchant for playing short passes, and he is quite accurate with his passing too.
While Ghoulam does seem like a good option, it will be interesting to see what this means for Luke Shaw. After making a recovery from his injury, the former Southampton star has started foraying back into the team and even started in their recent game against Everton where he played quite well. He is expected to leave either in January or over the summer and if United sign Ghoulam, exiting United would be the most likely route for him.