Manchester United haven’t had the best time since they appointed Jose Mourinho as their manager in the summer. Already eight points behind league leaders Liverpool and six points outside the top four, United need to pick up their game really soon if they want Champions League qualification at least. These are still early days of the self-proclaimed ‘Special One’ at Old Trafford and the team is still looking like a Louis van Gaal side. Mourinho probably needs two more transfer windows to bring the Red Devils to where they should be.
The Daily Mirror claims that Manchester United are interested in the signing of Paris Saint-Germain full-back Serge Aurier in the summer. Manchester United scouts watched the right-back in action for Ivory Coast against France in Lens on Tuesday, ahead of a potential bid when the transfer window re-opens in January, as per the same report.
Well, it is a public knowledge that Mourinho is far from happy with his defensive options at Old Trafford. He has publicly criticised some of his defenders and it is no surprise to see him looking to shore up his backline. Matteo Darmian has struggled to impress Mourinho while Antonio Valencia is having his trouble with injuries. So, no surprise why Mourinho is looking for options at right-back.
Serge Aurier is just 23 and is already one of the best players in his position without any shadow of a doubt. He is quick, he is big and he loves to burst forward. There are not many full-backs who are better than the Ivorian when it comes to both defensive and attacking duties.
Capped 34 times for the Ivory Coast national team, Aurier is deadly crosser of the ball. He has two assists to his name this campaign from six Ligue 1 games thus far. As per stats this season, Aurier plays 1 key pass every game. Manchester United have seemed toothless in attack often this season and a creative full-back like him can solve the issue.
Aurier had 1.3 shots per game this season while completing 1.3 successful dribbles every game. We can understand how fruitful the 23-year-old is while going forward but he pretty good while defending as well. Aurier has an excellent recovery pace and is a fearless tackler. He has averaged 2.4 tackles, 2.1 interceptions and 2.4 clearances every game this term which speaks volumes about his defensive discipline.
Serge Aurier has always been a quality player but must improve on his off-field activities. He was suspended by his club earlier this year after insulting then-boss Laurent Blanc on video. The Ivorian also aimed derogatory comments at keeper Salvatore Sirigu, defender Gregory van der Wiel and striker Edinson Cavani. He must avoid such situations to become a successful footballer at Manchester United.
