In a recent tweet, Italian journalist Gianluigi Longari claimed that Manchester United are locked in a three-way battle for Leeds United ace Raphinha. It is believed that the Red Devils could face stiff competition from Chelsea and Barcelona in pursuit of the Brazilian wing wizard.
– #Barca still strong in #Raphinha race. #FCB
– #Chelsea obviously in stand by.
– Also Manchester United are following Leeds ace. #MUFC https://t.co/piu0lInbXu— Gianluigi Longari (@Glongari) March 14, 2022
Raphinha’s Tough Yet Productive Season At Elland Road
Raphinha is experiencing a long and grueling campaign with the Whites but has done well to produce some mesmerizing displays on the right side of Leeds’ attack. The 25-year-old has found the back of the net on nine occasions and provided three assists in 28 matches for the West Yorkshire outfit this season across all competitions.
The Porto Alegre-born sensation has proven himself to be a valuable contributor in the final third based on his average of 2.7 shots, 2.1 key passes, 1.0 crosses and 2.1 dribbles per game in the Premier League. However, his ball distribution has left a lot to be desired in the opponent’s half as he has completed just 68.8% of his attempted passes in the top tier of English football (stats via whoscored).
The 4th Official uses images provided by the following image agency:
Getty Images (https://www.gettyimages.de/)
Imago Images (https://www.imago-images.de/)
Is Raphinha A Good Option For Man United?
Raphinha is blessed with electic pace which he can use to leave his marker to bite the dust out on the wide positions. He can complete some dangerous dribbles in the final third and can chip by scoring and creating his fair share of goals up top.
The Brazilian sensation remains one of the first names in Leeds’ teamsheet and could help them get out of relegation danger over the next few months.
Either way, Man United would be wise to engineer a move to recruit Raphinha in the summer as he will inject a lot of pace and goals into their attack. Plus, he is versatile enough to play anywhere across the frontline.
At 25, the South American winger’s best years are ahead of him which makes him an excellent option for the Red Devils to pursue during the summer transfer window. Raphinha is already good enough to secure a regular starting spot at Old Trafford in the coming seasons. Hence, Ralf Rangnick should prioritise on getting a deal done for him later this year.
