According to Mundo Deportivo, Manchester United have targeted Barcelona’s Ivan Rakitic and Philippe Coutinho as potential replacements for Paul Pogba. The Frenchman recently revealed his wish to look for a new challenge and a move away from Old Trafford could be on the horizon.
As a result, the Red Devils are eyeing a move for the Barcelona duo, both of whom have an uncertain future at the club as the Catalans look to add more competition to their respective positions this summer.
What can Rakitic and Coutinho bring to the table?
Rakitic is one of the most experienced players in the Barcelona squad, having been around the scene for more than six years now. The Croatian international is known for his industry and work-ethic in midfield, which is coupled with the technical quality that makes him an essential part of the Barcelona midfield. He can carry the ball across half-spaces and can link-up with his teammates in the final third.
Also, the 31-year-old is proficient when it comes to taking set pieces while his defensive work-rate makes him an excellent all-round midfielder.
As for Coutinho, he is more of an out and out attacker, who mainly likes to operate as an attacking midfielder. The Brazilian is a threat from long-range and is blessed with immense technical quality – as you would expect from any Brazilian talent. The 27-year-old also has the exposure of playing in the Premier League and is quite productive as well, having been involved in 78 league goals during his time with Liverpool.
Coutinho has been in exquisite form in the ongoing Copa America 2019, and his price could skyrocket if he can guide Brazil to glory in the coveted tournament, especially with Neymar out injured.
Where do Rakitic and Coutinho fit at United?
Rakitic will be a sensible option for United if they are to lose out on the services of Pogba this summer. The ex-Schalke prodigy has the experience, which could be useful in guiding a relatively young Manchester Side forward in the coming years. Besides, he can bring that much-needed winning mentality the Red Devils have duly lacked in the past few years.
Coutinho, on the other hand, could refrain from joining United given his history with Liverpool and the fact that a move to Old Trafford could further blight his relationship with the Kopites. From a sporting perspective, he could serve as an alternative to Alexis Sanchez, who has struggled to make an impact after joining from Arsenal at the start of last year.
