Tuttomercato has recently reported that Manchester United are showing interest in recruiting Juventus winger Douglas Costa this summer. It is understood that the Red Devils ‘remain vigilant’ in pursuit of the Brazilian playmaker, who has endured an injury-prone season at Turin recently (via Tuttomercato).
Costa’s Poor Run With Injuries At Turin Last Season
Frequent injuries hampered Costa’s progress at the Allianz Stadium last season. However, he still managed to produce a run of productive showings under the stewardship of former Juve boss Maurizio Sarri, who was relieved of his duties as a manager earlier this month. The Brazilian talent participated in 29 matches for the Italian champions in the previous campaign, netting three and creating seven goals across all competitions which prove just how well he has performed despite missing several games due to multiple injuries.
Costa struggled to find consistency on the field over the past 12 months after averaging 0.8 shots, 1.3 key passes and 2.0 dribbles per game in the Italian top-flight and the UEFA Champions League. His ball-distribution has often been neat as evident from his pass success rate of 83.8% in the Serie A (stats via whoscored). The 29-year-old has appeared in 31 international fixtures for the Brazilian national team, finding the back of the net on three occasions for his nation in the process.
There are some minor concerns over his long-term health following his poor run with injuries of late. Hence, Man United would be taking a risk if they decide to move in for Costa before the start of the new season.
What Will The Brazilian Sensation Bring To The Theatre Of Dreams?
Costa boasts blistering pace which he can use to beat the opposition defenders out on the flanks. He is a brilliant dribbler and has the vision to unlock a rigid defence with a decisive through-ball in the attacking third. The Brazilian can also deliver a few inviting crosses into the opposition penalty area but needs to be more lethal in front of goal if he wants to make the most out of his time left playing football.
Is Costa The Right Choice For The Red Devils?
Someone with Costa’s pace and agility could be a useful asset for any top-flight club as he can get to the byline at will and create all sorts of problems for the opposition. However, one can argue whether he has enough left in his tank to be a success story at Old Trafford.
Costa will undeniably add some healthy competition for the likes of Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial, Mason Greenwood and Daniel James as they fight it out to secure a regular starting spot in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s first-team. The Brazilian could turn out to be a decent choice for Man United this summer as he will help them bridge the gap to Liverpool and Manchester City at the top of Premier League football.
