Manchester United Have This Portugal Playmaker On Their Radar: Good Fit For The Red Devils?

Recent reports from Portuguese media outlet A Bola (via Sport Witness) suggest that Manchester United are keen on signing Porto midfielder Otavio in the upcoming transfer window as Ralf Rangnick seems set to bolster his attacking options.

The report further states that the Red Devils have the Portugal playmaker ‘on their radar. He’s said to be ‘referenced’ for next season because his characteristics please the club.’ Paris Saint-Germain and other Premier League clubs are also interested in the 27-year-old midfielder whose release clause is set at €60m.

Otavio’s Excellent Form In Portuguese Football This Season

Over the course of his six-and-a-half seasons in Liga NOS, Otavio has played an instrumental for Porto – bagging 24 goals and 61 assists in 228 appearances across all competitions. So far this season, the Portugal international has featured in 25 league games for the Dragons, registering three goals and 11 assists to his name.

Otavio primarily operates in the attacking midfield role, where his technical abilities permit him to carry the ball forward, take on the defenders and link up offensive play to make things easier for the front men. Often running into the channels between the opposition defences, the 27-year-old makes chance creation and conversion far easier for his side, which is quite evident from the numbers he has put up on the board this season – averaging 1.8 shots, two key passes, 1.1 dribbles, and 0.6 crosses, and 2.3 long balls per 90 minutes in the Portuguese top-flight. Quite clearly, his central strengths lie in creativity and invention – two traits that help him draw defenders towards himself, thereby creating plenty of exploitable space for the strikers upfront. Furthermore, his versatility across the midfield means he can even fulfil wider roles.

Good Fit For The Red Devils?

Marcus Rashford has been in terrible form over the past few months, whereas it’s highly likely that Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard will depart the club in the summer. Juan Mata’s contract expires at the end of the season, while Mason Greenwood remains suspended until further notice after being arrested on suspicion of rape and assault.

Given the circumstances, Manchester United need some fresh recruitments in the attacking department if they intend to strengthen the present squad – and Otavio fits the bill perfectly. At 27, he has won multiple domestic trophies with the Blue and Whites and will add much-needed depth and experience to the United squad. Hence, Rangnick should try and get this deal over the line in the coming months.

(Stats from WhoScored)