Krishnan Sreekumar
Former Manchester United midfielder Kleberson claims Liverpool ace Roberto Firmino would be a ‘good fit’ at the club
As quoted by Paddy Power (h/t Daily Mail), ex-Manchester United ace Kleberson has urged his former side to go and get Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino, as he would be a great fit at Old Trafford.
Playing for arch-rivals Liverpool, Firmino is no stranger to United fans, having come up against him multiple times in arguably the biggest derbies in world football between the clubs. Admittedly, in recent times, the Brazilian and his side have gotten the better of us.
Kleberson, who won a FA Cup with United, has told his former employers to sign Firmino so that he can create space for wingers Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho and help improve the team’s offensive output.
“If Manchester United wanted to make a change, he’s a good player that can help, especially with Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho on the wings. Firmino can help those players create space when they’re on the attack.”
The Red Devils have been poor in front of goal this season, failing to put away chances or increase their leads, which has seen them drop precious points in the Premier League as they currently make do with sixth place in the league table.
“Good signing for Manchester United”
Despite boasting names like Cristiano Ronaldo and Edinson Cavani to lead the line for the team, the Old Trafford side have struggled to score goals. Rashford, who is also capable of playing down the middle, looks out of form to make things worse in attack for the club.
Kleberson has urged his old side to take a look at players like Firmino, whose quality on the pitch could help release the team and would be a good fit within the squad. The Brazilian described the Liverpool star as a great player as well.
“That’s the type of player Manchester United should be looking at. A player with Firmino’s quality can help release the team. He’s a great player and he’d be a good fit, and a good signing for Manchester United.”
Kleberson has certainly made a bizarre claim, suggesting that a Liverpool player be brought in to help our side despite the historic rivalry between the two clubs. A direct transfer between the Reds and United is extremely rare, despite players like Michael Owen representing both sides in his career.
Although the claim may be bizarre, the former Brazil international’s analysis of the player is correct. Even at Liverpool, Firmino is credited for his hold up play upfront so that his wingers in Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane can be brought into the attack and wreak havoc.
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That being said, Firmino himself is no stranger to goals, with the ex-Hoffenheim star contributing to his side’s attacking output and being a threat to opposing defences. A Brazil international himself, he has proven that he has what it takes to be one of the best in the business, even if not the most prominent.
A move for Firmino from United however, looks extremely difficult. It is really hard to envisage a scenario where Liverpool will sell one of their star players to a direct rival, let alone United. An attacker is needed in the summer to bolster our squad, but a target other than Firmino needs to be looked at given that Allenby Chilton was, if our memory serves correct, the last player to directly join Man United from Liverpool, and that was back in 1938!
