Even with a star-studded forward line that includes Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Wayne Rooney, Henrik Mkhitaryan and Anthony Martial, Manchester United have visibly struggled to score this season, registering only 18 goals so far.
Jose Mourinho had brought in huge names like Ibrahimovic and Paul Pogba this season but it has done little to help their season as they currently sit in the 6th position, 11 points behind league leaders Chelsea. The trend of big signings is likely to continue in January and the latest player to be caught by Mourinho’s radar is Andrea Belotti.
Creating chances hasn’t been Manchester United’s problem lately, but what has been more noticeable is their ability to kill off games. They often show intent when they are a goal down but fail to complete a comeback that will win them the game. They have currently drawn four back to back games at their backyard in the Premier League.
The 22 years old forward of Torino has become a hot prospect since joining from Palermo the previous season, attracting a lot of interest from top Premier League clubs like Liverpool, Everton, and Arsenal. United are said to have earmarked the former Palermo youngster as a viable target as manager Jose Mourinho seeks other options to veteran forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic up front.
But, landing him won’t be an easy task as Alessandra Stefanelli of Tuttomercatoweb has also revealed that Torino are set to extend Belotti’s contract until 2021, which will boost his release clause well over the fifty million mark at £54 million.
Torino will also do whatever possible to keep such a talent who has already netted 8 times and bagged 4 assists in only 10 appearances this season. His performances have also helped him to get a national call.
Belotti seems to be the right choice at the moment as with him chasing the ball, there is never a lost cause. He forces defenders to make mistakes and does not hesitate to go for tackles. He has a strong finishing touch which has mainly attracted his suitors from all across Europe. Manchester United look like a team, who could really use his prowess.
With players like Juan Mata, Paul Pogba and Ander Herrera behind him to provide passes up front, Belotti will only flourish in England. Although he will be lacking the aerial threat up front but his work rate could ease up Ibrahimovic allowing him to express himself. Belotti will have to fight with the likes of Rashford, Martial, and Lingard for the first team but for his quality, he could really be an upgrade for them.
