Manchester United are busy in their pre-season in the United States but the club has been active in the transfer market, scouting for some of the brightest stars in world football. Jose Mourinho still needs a couple of top class first team stars for his lineup and is looking at some big names in world football but one link that refuses to cease is Serge Aurier.
English news outfit Independent claim that Manchester United are now turning their interest towards the PSG star after their talks with AS Monaco for the versatile Fabinho have hit a halt. The French outfit wants £40m for the Brazilian, which United are not ready to shell, and it is understood that Mourinho is interested in Aurier, who could make a switch for just £25m.
A right-back by trait, the Ivory Coast international is a versatile player who can play in any of the positions in the backline. Known for his strength in holding on to the ball and in the air, Aurier is a beast, who not many players will want to face in one-on-one situations.
To add to it, he is an excellent dribbler with exceptional ball control while his passing allows him to create chances in the final third. He has a decent balance in his game between attack and defence and with his technical ability; he can walk into any of the top squads in Europe. But there is a reason why none of the big clubs are queueing up for him.
The 24-year old is committed to his team’s cause and will give his everything in every game but at times, it crosses the line. Often in trouble on and off the field, Aurier has picked up 41 yellow cards and two red cards in that last four years of his professional career, showing his recklessness on the field.
To top it off, he is currently awaiting the result of an appeal after being sentenced to two months in jail last September for assaulting a police officer. His discipline is haywire and though Mourinho might feel that he can mend him, at £25m, he is not a risk worth taking.
£25m for a fullback of his quality is a steal but Manchester United already have a beast in Antonio Valencia and need a player who can add creativity and mettle to the right-back role at the club. Matteo Darmian is the only backup for Valencia in the first team and Aurier does not seem the right fit.
His versatility might tempt Mourinho but at the moment, other options like Fabinho are more worth their money, even at £40m for the Red Devils. Do you think they should make a move for the Ivorian this summer?
