Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing Fabinho, who plays as a right back for AS Monaco. With Dani Alves’ exit from Barcelona confirmed, there has been a burst of reports that United target Fabinho is high up in the Spanish giant’s wishlist.
The 22-year-old Monaco right-back impressed in Ligue 1 last season with his performance, and United are rumored to be keen on landing him as a replacement for Matteo Darmian, who looks set to leave this summer.
Fabinho, who is reportedly open to a move to the Premier League, and Mourinho share the same agent, that is, Jorge Mendes and the Brazilian international made his only loan appearance at Real Madrid under the new United manager in May 2013.
Matteo Darmian vs Fabinho (DOMESTIC LEAGUE STATS COMPARISON)-
Matteo Darmian:
Total Appearances: 28
Total Goals Scored: 1
Assists: 0
Shot Accuracy: 17%
Total Chances Created: 12
Avg. Pass Accuracy: 79%
Avg. Pass Length: 17m
Avg. Duels Won: 52%
Aerials Won per Game: 0.7
Avg. Defensive Actions: 4
Total Defensive Errors: 1
Yellow Cards: 8
Characteristics:
- Extremely high defensive contribution.
- Strong Tackling.
- Weak at crosses.
- Fast Pace.
- Likes to play long balls.
Fabinho:
Total Appearances: 34
Total Goals Scored: 6
Assists: 4
Shot Accuracy: 61%
Total Chances Created: 25
Avg. Pass Accuracy: 81%
Avg. Pass Length: 18m
Avg. Duels Won: 50%
Aerials Won per Game: 1.9
Avg. Defensive Actions: 5
Total Defensive Errors: 1
Yellow Cards: 9
Characteristics:
- Good passing.
- Decent tackling.
- Strong concentration.
- Commits Foul Often.
Looking at the stats, Fabinho is quite better than the United full-back, and by the looks of how eager Barcelona are to land him at Camp Nou after having already signed Andre Gomes, shows what a quality player he is.
To be fair to the Italian defender, it’s Ligue 1 and Premier League we are comparing. Ligue 1 is one of the least competitive leagues while the Barclays Premier League is the toughest domestic league and not meant for every player. On top of that, the whole team in general, didn’t have a really good season.
Selling Darmian for the Monaco defender could be a disastrous decision by the club, if it actually happens. It is a huge risk.
Matteo Darmian has much more experience and can most probably, deliver much better under the new manager. Louis van Gaal neither used his full potential nor played him as much.
Fabinho might be the next Memphis Depay or Falcao at Old Trafford.
