Manchester United to rival Napoli for Tottenham’s Kieran Trippier
Manchester United are looking at Tottenham Hotspur right-back Kieran Trippier ahead of the summer transfer window, claims Transfer Pundit Gianluca Di Marzio. (h/t Football Italia)
The England international, 28, has played 33 times for Tottenham this season, although his form has been patchy since returning from an excellent World Cup campaign last summer. He has also endured injury problems and continues to be questionable when it comes to defending.
Tripper, who is also a target for Napoli (h/t Football Italia), is already on Mauricio Pochettino’s chopping list.
United’s need for a right-back is clear, with Antonio Valencia set to leave the club at the end of the season and Ashley Young in the twilight of his career. Diogo Dalot has shown his quality in flashes but still is some way off from becoming a regular starter under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Man United should avoid signing Kieran Trippier
Bigger things were expected from Tripper after a solid World Cup campaign in Russia. But he has royally struggled to live up the expectations, consistently being poor and error-prone throughout the season.
In fact, he was at fault for two early goals against Manchester City at the Etihad in the Champions League. Trippier’s greatest strength is his crossing abilities and energy as he can run all day long.
But he seems to have forgotten the basics of defending and no longer is a reliable player to have in Tottenham’s starting XI, at least at right-back.
If the Reds want to buy a right-back in the summer, Solskjaer needs to look at an experienced, reliable and quality player. In every case, Trippier may have got the experience but he neither is reliable nor of United’s quality.
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Hence, it’s a no-brainer for Manchester United to avoid splashing the cash on Trippier.