In a Facebook Live session with his fans on Thursday (transcripted by Goal), Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Raul Jimenez addressed his future amid recent speculation linking him with Manchester United. The Mexican striker revealed that he is completely focussed on the challenges that lie ahead for him at Wolves when he said (transcripted by Goal), “I have a contract until 2023.
“It’s not that we have to qualify for the Champions League in order to stay. I’m good [here], happy with Wolves, doing important things – me as well as the whole team.
“We’ve been trying our best since the start of last season. We’ve qualified for the Europa League; now we’re fighting for a Champions League spot.
“And it’s the big motivation to keep growing as a player and getting into the Champions League is always a plus that satisfies you and keeps you thinking about big things.”
Even though the Red Devils are looking to sign a new forward this summer, Manchester Evening News has claimed that the club are not considering a move for Jimenez at the moment. Man United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had previously revealed his admiration for the Mexican marksman after his side’s scoreless draw against Nuno Espirito Santo’s men at the start of February when he said (via Birmingham Mail),
“(Adama) Traore and Jimenez are always difficult to play against. They are very good players.”
Jimenez’s Incredible Form At Wolves This Season
The 28-year-old was enjoying another impressive season at the Molineux Stadium before the football world came to a standstill due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic. He has banged in 22 goals in 44 matches so far this season and also has ten assists to show for his efforts in all competitions. Jimenez’s numbers highlight how much Wolves rely on his contributions going forward.
The former Benfica talent has averaged 3.4 shots, 1.5 key passes and 1.7 dribbles per game in the Premier League and the UEFA Europa League which goes to show his incredible consistency wearing a Wolves shirt on all fronts this season (stats via whoscored). He also has a wealth of experience playing for the Mexican national side. Jimenez has earned 82 senior caps for his nation thus far, scoring 23 goals in the process. We can expect him to play a crucial role for Gerardo Martino’s side when the Copa America commences in the summer of 2021.
Time For The Red Devils To Give Up On Jimenez?
Jimenez is a complete centre-forward and has a prolific goal-scoring record in English football. What sets him apart from other strikers in his creativity in the final third, so it would be a massive coup for Man United if they manage to convince him to seal a move to Old Trafford in the future. However, it seems like the Mexican international is only motivated to do well for Wolves which will be a bitter pill to swallow for Solskjaer.
The Red Devils will be better off focussing on recruiting other available strikers as Jimenez doesn’t fancy a change of scenery this summer. Maybe, the Mancunian giants should give up on him for now and come back only when he is ready to make a switch away from the West Midlands club.
Solskjaer will have to figure out a way to get the best out Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood in the coming years. He also has Odion Ighalo on loan as his fourth-choice striker right now. Hence, the Nigerian forward would be a decent option for Man United on a short-term contract as he could potentially fill in until someone of Jimenez’s skillset becomes available in the transfer market.
