In Monday’s print edition, Mundo Deportivo has reported that Manchester United are keeping tabs on Barcelona winger Ansu Fati this summer. It has been mentioned that the Red Devils are ‘stalking’ the talented attacker’ more than anyone’ and could be willing to orchestrate a big-money offer for his services during this summer transfer period (transcripted and translated by Sport Witness).
Fati’s Rapid Rise At The Nou Camp Over The Past 18 Months
Fati managed to be productive with his performances on the left side of the Barca attack after finding a run of consistency across various competitions. The Bissau-born winger registered eight goals and one assist in 33 matches for the Catalans in the previous campaign.
The 17-year-old caught the eye with his important contributions in the decisive third of the field after averaging 1.2 shots, 0.7 key passes and 0.9 dribbles per game in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League last season. He took care of the ball well for his team as evident from his pass success rate of 85.7% in the Spanish top-flight (stats via whoscored).
The Spanish U-17 international is destined to have a bright future in European football as he has got the pace and goal-threat to make a name for himself at the highest level. Hence, adding someone of Fati’s potential will be a brilliant signing for the Red Devils in the long-run.
What Will The Spanish Whizkid Bring To The Theatre Of Dreams?
Fati can run with the ball with electric pace and doesn’t mind taking on his marker in a 1v1 foot chase out on the wide positions. He is an exceptional dribbler and has shown some signs of maturity by becoming a composed finisher in front of goal. The Spaniard’s ceiling is sky-high as he could transform himself into a world-class wide player in the years to come.
Fati will bring a lot of pace and goals to Old Trafford next season if Man United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer can orchestrate a move to land him this summer. He will add some serious competition for the likes of Marcus Rashford, Mason Greenwood, Daniel James and Anthony Martial for a place on the wings in Solskjaer’s first XI.
The Spanish youngster is also highly versatile as he can operate anywhere across the frontline. He usually likes to play down the left flank, but can even play as a centre-forward or as a right-sided wide player if required.
At 17, Fati has already established himself amongst the big boys in Spain. Still, there are some concerns over whether he can deal with the physical nature and high intensity of Premier League football. Either way, the Red Devils can’t go wrong by recruiting a winger of Fati’s skillset before the start of the new campaign.
