Pranav Nair
Manchester United to battle Liverpool for Leeds United ace Raphinha
According to Italian journalist Gianluigi Longari on Twitter, Manchester United and Liverpool are set to battle it out for Leeds United winger Raphinha.
The 24-year-old Brazilian arrived at Elland Road in the summer of 2020 and has since established himself as an electrifying presence. He has so far made 28 appearances, scoring seven goals and assists apiece. (h/t Transfermarkt)
The two arch-rivals are not the only teams in the fray. However, they appear to be leading the race for Raphinha. Liverpool have already made their interest clear but may lack the necessary funds to see the move through.
Primarily a right-winger, he is also capable of playing on the other flank. The Red Devils could do with a right-winger and failed to land one last summer.
Apart from Liverpool, United’s rivalry with Leeds could also play a factor in our pursuit of the player. The last player to bridge that divide was Alan Smith in 2002. It is fair to say that the Elland Road faithful have not forgiven him for it. (h/t The Athletic) (Subscription required)
One advantage we could have is the player’s relationship with Bruno Fernandes. Both of them spent the 2018/19 season together at Sporting Lisbon.
They formed an excellent understanding en route to racking up 39 goals and 23 assists combined. The prospect of them replicating the same at Old Trafford is an enticing thought. (h/t The Sun)
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Speaking to the press, Fernandes revealed that Raphinha was a player who left an impression on him both on and off the field while at Sporting. (h/t The Sun)
Their partnership at the Jose Alvalade Stadium may not have lasted long, but whether a reunion at the Theatre of Dreams beckons remains to be seen.
