Manchester United’s new era is set to begin under Mauricio Pochettino, and attention has already turned to what business may be done in the January transfer window.
The Argentine has been confirmed as the replacement for Michael Carrick, after the iconic former midfielder was sacked on Thursday having won just one of his ten Premier League matches this season, leaving the team in the relegation zone.
Pochettino’s first game in charge of the club will come at Anfield against Liverpool, before a trip to Portugal to face off against Sporting CP in the Champions. His first home game will come the following weekend, when United will host Brentford at Old Trafford.
During that time, the 54-year-old will be looking to figure out which players at the club suit his system best and which don’t, ahead of making some deals happen during the winter window.
Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that talks have already been held between the club hierarchy and the new manager over plans for the window, with Pochettino expected to have some more control over decisions in that respect.
A left-back and centre-back are expected to be targeted after a poor start to the season, while a new forward is also expected to be a priority considering Joshua Zirkzee’s struggles since joining, while Benjamin Sesko has been ruled out with a shin injury until the new year at least.
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The club have been looking at wingers who could potentially be of interest to them, and reports in the summer suggested that Man Utd held an interest in Bournemouth star Rayan.
The Brazilian, who only joined the Cherries in January, has had an exceptional start to life in the Premier League and is considered to be one of the most exciting prospects in the division, while he has also established himself as part of Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil squad too.
Now, the forward has revealed that he is a lifelong Man Utd fan, potentially opening the door for him to make the switch to Old Trafford at some point in the near future.
“I have always supported Man Utd. Really. Because of Cristiano Ronaldo.”
Rayan a Huge Amad Upgrade
It’s clear that Rayan is a huge talent, and with Man Utd well aware that he has a €100m (£87m) release clause that becomes active next summer, they would be crazy to not be having a serious look at him.
His performances since coming to England have seen huge praise go his way, with Jermain Defoe even comparing him to Real Madrid and Wales legend Gareth Bale.
“I’m going to make a big statement. He reminds me of Gareth Bale,” he said. “He plays so effortlessly.
“You get a lot of players, like [Lionel] Messi and [Eden] Hazard, who dribble with it close to their foot, but he knocks it out of his feet and gets on to it. He’s so dynamic, quick, strong. One v one he never turns it down – I love players like that. He comes inside, he’s efficient in front of goal.
“He’s been amazing. This is a kid that can go to the next level.”
Occupying the right wing predominantly, Rayan would be coming in to compete with Amad for that position, and he would be an instant and obvious upgrade.
Since joining the Cherries, Rayan has played more, scored more, and got as many assists as the Ivorian, despite playing in a team that would be considered to be worse on paper and adapting to English football at the same time.
Convincing Rayan to make the move would clearly not be an issue, and Bournemouth will be helpless to prevent a deal if the release clause is triggered. Now it’s down to Man Utd to make it happen.
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