Krishnan Sreekumar
Manchester United urged to go after PSG ace Kylian Mbappe by France legend Emmanuel Petit
Speaking to Genting Casino (h/t Express), France icon Emmanuel Petit has urged Manchester United to join the transfer race to sign Paris-Saint Germain ace Kylian Mbappe at the end of the season, amidst interest from other European clubs.
Mbappe is out of contract in Paris ahead of the new campaign and could be available for free as things stand. Into the last few months of his current deal with PSG, the striker is free to speak to foreign clubs regarding a pre-contract agreement.
Petit, who won the 1998 World Cup with France, was whittling down the options that Mbappe had in the summer, saying that there was transfer speculation from England or Germany, while ruling out Barcelona and narrowing down options to Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.
“There is speculation if it’s a club from England or Germany. It’s not Barcelona. So it’s Real Madrid, PSG and maybe it’s Bayern Munich, but do they have the money? Is it the policy of Bayern Munich?”
The 2018 World Cup winner is currently playing alongside Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr. in what is one of the world’s best attacking trios, but could break up the band if he decides to pursue his career outside of France. He previously turned out for AS Monaco in Ligue 1, helping them to a league title.
“Why not Manchester United?”
Throughout the season, the 23-year-old has been heavily tipped to move to Real Madrid on a Bosman transfer in the summer, but the France international has now revealed there are “new elements to consider” about his future, hinting at either a stay in Paris or a new destination elsewhere.
Petit said that people were linking Manchester City and Liverpool to signing Mbappe, and questioned why United were not in the mix to sign the talented striker. He also admitted that wherever the France international goes, it will be a huge decision for him as he is very close to his family and friends.
“Maybe there is a club in England. People are talking about Manchester City and Liverpool, but why not Manchester United. I know Kylian is very linked to his town, the fans, family and friends – so it’s a huge decision for him.”
The Red Devils certainly need a striker in the summer, given how poor they have been in front of goal this term. We have been unable to establish a solid lead over our opponents or break down strong and stubborn opposition defences with the current crop of forwards at our disposal.
Cristiano Ronaldo was brought in from Juventus earlier this season to improve our attacking output, but even the Portugal skipper has been unable to continue his usually brilliant form in his second spell in Manchester. The ex-Real Madrid man started the campaign well but has tailed off since the new year.
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Our other forward options include Edinson Cavani and Marcus Rashford. The pair have been disappointing as well, with the former hardly featuring for the team in 2022 due to injury issues while the latter has looked woefully out of form when he has taken to the field.
Mbappe could answer our goal scoring problems next season, but we will face intense competition from other European giants for his signature. Currently available as a free agent in the summer, we do not have to worry about paying a massive transfer fee but it remains to be seen if other financial aspects regarding Mbappe would suit the club. That is, of course, if the Red Devils pay heed to Petit’s comments and actually consider bringing in one of football’s best players right now.
