United step up interest in “modern winger” with great “technical” ability dominating Ligue 1- report

The sacking of former head coach Ruben Amorim has led to a change of fortune in the league, as the Red Devils are now third. Need for wingers Since January, the club have also changed formation, reverting to a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1. Last summer, they let go of three wingers: Alejandro Garnacho and Antony permanently, and Marcus Rashford on loan, as Amorim’s system did not make use of traditional wide players. Nonetheless, Michael Carrick’s system does, and it seems likely any new manager would also do the same. The Red Devils have therefore been linked to players such as Newcastle United’s Antony Gordon, Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye, and Ivorian Yan Diomande at Red Bull Leipzig. Maghnes Akliouche Another player United are reportedly monitoring is Maghnes Akliouche at AS Monaco. They are said to be competing with numerous Premier League teams for the player, in particular arch-rivals Liverpool. The Peoples Person has also relayed that United would likely need to pay in excess of £40 million to secure a deal for the 24-year-old. According to SportsBoom, United have stepped up their interest in Akliouche in recent weeks. The website claims, “an army of scouts from elite Premier League clubs occupied the VIP stands of the Groupama Stadium in Lyon” as AS Monaco beat Olympique Lyonnais 2-1. The site also states that it has been confirmed that both “Manchester United and Newcastle United sent special representatives to the match and took detailed notes on Akliouche and his teammate Lamine Camara.” The Frenchman certainly made an impression, scoring a goal in the 63rd minute and winning the penalty that gave his side the lead. The site reports that, “scouting reports highlighted Akliouche’s technical proficiency in tight spaces, his demonstrated agility, and his off-the-ball discipline.” It is also claimed he is a “matchwinner” who shows all the signs needed of a modern winger. He has scored six goals and provided four assists in 26 Ligue 1 matches this season. Maghnes Akliouche stats vs Lyon MetricValue Goals1 Expected goals (xG)0.6 Assists0 Expected assists (xA)0.43 Total shots3 Expected goals on target (xGOT)0.96 Shots on target2 Shots blocked0 Big chances missed1 Touches54 Unsuccessful touches1 Dribbles (successful)3 (2) Was fouled2 Penalties won1 Possession lost11 Total carrying distance218 m Carries23 Progressive carries7 Total progression98.3 m Progressive carrying distance107.8 m Longest progressive carry25.7 m Key passes3 Crosses (accurate)1 (1) Accurate passes30/37 (81%) Passes in opposition half (acc.)20/24 (83%) Passes in own half (acc.)10/13 (77%) Def. contributions2 Tackles (won)0 (0) Interceptions1 Clearances1 Blocked shots0 Recoveries3 Ground duels (won)11 (4) Aerial duels (won)2 (1) Fouls3 Dribbled past1 Source: Sofascore Featured image Gualter Fatia via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Alex Browne Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Alex has a Master’s degree from Queen’s University Belfast and La Universitat Rovira i Virgili in Tarragona, Spain. Having lived in the country since 2011, Alex is The Peoples Person’s Spanish football expert and is fluent in both Spanish and Catalan. He dreams of witnessing a United captain triumphantly hoisting the Premier League and Champions League trophy in the air once more.