A harsh winter period has proven to be Manchester United’s downfall in the recent Premier League.
Since the incident on November 1, the Red Devils have reverted to shaky form under manager Ruben Amorim, with three wins on the trot in October followed by two unwanted draws on the spin, but 10-man Everton beat Amorim and co 1-0 on their own patch.
They responded to the home humiliation by the Toffees with a much-needed 2-1 win against Crystal Palace, but their misery only piled up again with an unsatisfactory 1-1 draw against West Ham United last time out.
How will the team, which has been through ups and downs, overcome a crowded December with only five games remaining? Only time will tell.
Whatever happens, United will be able to take some comfort in the resumption of the January transfer window as some big-money deals are said to be in the works…
Man United transfer list
Indeed, Manchester’s reds are likely to be very busy throughout January as Amorim’s side look for improvements across the pitch.
Looking at the rumors that have surfaced, the clear priority is that United are looking for new talent in central midfield, with Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson both being linked with the Theater of Dreams.
As well as adding to their talent in the middle of the park, United are also keen to bring in new wingers, with an eye-catching swap likely to be made soon.
According to Football Insider, Paris Saint-Germain are keen to sign Marcus Rashford in the summer as his future at Old Trafford is in doubt. In order to smooth over a potential deal, the French giants could offer the Red Devils Bradley Barcola, a promising attacking talent who shined at the Parc des Princes.
The struggling Premier League side may have to wait until the summer for this swap deal to go through, but it could still be a deal worth holding out for, as Amorim could be the next in line for the ferocious Frenchman in Amad Diallo.
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Amad’s stay at Old Trafford hasn’t always been smooth sailing.
Under coach Erik ten Hag, the tricky Ivorian managed just three goals and two assists in a limited 24 appearances.
Amad’s performance at United according to manager | |||
|---|---|---|---|
manager | game | the goal | assist |
Amorim | 41 | 9 | 11 |
Tembabaa | twenty four | 3 | 2 |
ole gunnar solskjaer | 8 | 1 | 1 |
Ruud van Nistelrooy | 4 | 2 | 1 |
Ralph Rangnick | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Source: Transfermarkt | |||
But here he is now, and the 23-year-old has been a consistent first-team presence under the acerbic Portuguese manager, racking up an impressive nine goals and 11 assists under Amorim, with analyst Statman Dave describing him as an “explosive” threat.
According to Under-23 scout Antonio Mango, Barcola will aim to reach the same heights under Amorim if he moves from Paris to Manchester. Barcola was also at the peak of his powers and was attracting attention as a winger with “tremendous speed”.
Thankfully, like Amad, the 18-time French international also has a lethal end product to back up all his entertaining tricks and flicks, with Barcola currently totaling 31 goals and 33 assists for his current employers.
The 23-year-old contributed an astonishing 40 goals in all competitions last season, and United will be hoping that Barcola’s potential appearances can keep them from succumbing to Everton’s clutches and take them to the next level. The left winger’s incredible feats even helped Luis Enrique’s side lift the Champions League trophy.
Helping the team win an incredible honor in Europe’s elite competition, Barcola certainly lived up to the hype given to him by Como scout Ben Mattinson as “one of the best left wingers in Europe”. But the Premier League will be the next big test for the sophisticated No.29.
Looking at what Amad has achieved under Amorim in the side, Barcola should be able to break into a new and difficult division and succeed.
It won’t be a cheap deal considering the previously advertised whopping £87 million when Barcola was on Arsenal’s reported shopping list.
But if United want to make their attack even more appealing, moving away from the likes of Amad and Brian Mbeumo they already have, then deciding to move Barcola could be a phenomenal next step.
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