Manchester United appear to be doing some scouting as they prepare for the start of the January transfer window.
A report from O Jogo via Sport Witness claimed that a Man United official was spotted attending FC Porto’s 4-0 victory over Boavista at Estádio do Dragão on Saturday.
Although there was no word on the exact players that the scout may have been focused on, there are multiple targets who may have been considered, given recent transfer links ahead of the winter transfer window.
Earlier this month, The Peoples Person discussed United’s links with two Porto stars, namely left-back Francisco Moura and striker Samu Aghehowa. According to the report, United sent scouts to monitor the players in action, thereby signalling the club’s intent.
Reports of United’s interest in Aghehowa are nothing new, with Ruben Amorim believed to have taken an interest in the Spanish forward following United’s 3-3 draw with Porto in the UEFA Europa League earlier this season.
Such interest is surely warranted, given the youngster’s impeccable track record in Liga Portugal this season. Aghehowa has netted a remarkable 13 goals in 13 games so far this season while providing two assists.
Furthermore, he has a 41% goal conversion rate, showing just how lethal his finishing is. (Stats via Sofascore)
As for Moura, he too could make for a valuable addition to the squad in January. With Luke Shaw injured as Tyrell Malacia as the only available natural left-back, the Portuguese defender’s talent could come in great use for Amorim.
So far, he has kept seven clean sheets in 14 league games while making 1.4 tackles per game. He has also won 54% of his aerial duels, making use of his 181 cm frame. (Sofascore)
Regardless of which star United’s scout was paying attention to, it’s clear that the club is in need of reinforcements at both left-back and striker.
Neither Rasmus Hojlund nor Joshua Zirkzee have hit the ground running this season, with the pair contributing just five Premier League goals between them this season.
While it’s fair to say that Malacia has struggled to find his form after returning from injury, Shaw’s vulnerability to injuries means that a long-term solution at the position of left-back will be required.
Hopefully, INEOS will see fit to allow Amorim some flexibility in the transfer market, particularly as he looks to improve the club’s fortunes following the shambolic start to the current campaign.
Featured image Octavio Passos via Getty Images
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Mathew Cohen
A faithful Manchester United supporter, Mathew has worked as a football writer and analyst for SB Nation, FanSided, and now The Peoples Person. Mathew’s heroes include David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Sir Alex Ferguson, all of whom played their part in creating some special childhood memories.
