Pranav Nair
Manchester United keen on Leeds United winger Raphinha
According to Manchester Evening News, Manchester United are keeping tabs on Leeds United winger Raphinha.
The 24-year-old joined Marcelo Bielsa’s side in the summer of 2020 and has since established himself as a player to watch. He has so far made 26 appearances, scoring six goals and seven assists. (h/t Transfermarkt)
Raphinha spent the 2018/19 season in Portugal with Sporting Portugal. During this stint, he teamed up with Bruno Fernandes to great effect. It would appear that the United star would be keen to link up with his former teammate at Old Trafford. (h/t The Sun)
Both players combined for an impressive 39 goals and 23 assists for Sporting in their one season at the Estadio Jose Alvalade. An intelligent player with pace to burn, Raphinha will be an asset to the United attack. (h/t The Sun)
Speaking to Foot Mercato (h/t The Sun) in 2019, Fernandes admitted that he missed his former teammate. The midfielder described Raphinha as a person whose presence is cherished both on and off the field.
“He’s a player with whom I had a different chemistry from the others. He understood me at a glance.”
An excellent player who makes good runs into spaces, the Brazilian would be a real asset to the United attack. Primarily a right-winger, he is also capable of playing on the other flank.
It is no secret that United lack a genuine threat at right-wing. Bringing in Raphinha would not just address that but given his understanding with Fernandes, we could unlock yet another dimension in our attack.
More Manchester United News
- Does Dayot Upamecano moving to Bayern pave the way for Manchester United to sign David Alaba?
- Manchester United keeping tabs on West Ham United star Tomas Soucek
- Dimitar Berbatov compares Manchester United star Scott McTominay to Frank Lampard
The 24-year-old has also attracted attention from arch-rivals Liverpool. Leeds and United share a bitter rivalry and it remains to be seen if that will stand in our way of signing Raphinha.
The last player to bridge that divide was Alan Smith in 2002. It is fair to say that he was never forgiven for his action. (h/t The Athletic) (Subscription required)
