In a recent report, Fichajes mentioned that Manchester United are showing interest in Athletic Bilbao keeper Unai Simon. It has been claimed that the Red Devils are eyeing a move for the Spanish international.
Simon’s Decent Record In Spanish Football This Season
Simon is experiencing a decent campaign with Bilbao after putting in several impressive displays in goal for them over the past few months. The 25-year-old has shipped in 22 goals and secured 11 clean sheets in 24 matches for the Spanish club this season on all fronts.
The 31-time Spain international has done well to average 71.3% per 90 minutes in La Liga. However, he needs to improve his ball distribution when distributing the ball from the back, as evidenced by his pass completion rate of 71.3% in league football (stats via whoscored).
Simon is under contract at the San Mames Stadium until the summer of 2025. Hence, Man United will have to launch a big move if they want to acquire his services this January or at the end of this campaign.
Is Simon A Good Option For Manchester United Boss Erik Ten Hag?
Simon is a good handler of the ball and has got quick reflexes that allow him to make some important saves at the back. He doesn’t hesitate to come out of his six-yard box to collect loose balls and crosses inside his penalty area. Standing at 1.90m, Simon is a commanding presence at the back and is proficient at stopping penalties as well. However, the Spanish talent has to find a way to improve his passing accuracy if he wants to be a success story at a top club like Man United.
We can expect Simon to enhance the overall quality of Erik ten Hag‘s first XI. Hence, he could be a decent option for the Red Devils to focus on this January or at the end of this season.
Simon is good enough to serve as an ideal successor to David de Gea at Old Trafford. He has what it takes to become the Mancunian club‘s primary keeper for the next decade.
At 25, Simon’s best years are ahead of him, so ten Hag would be wise to try everything in his power to lure the Spaniard to the Theatre of Dreams in 2023. However, only time will tell whether he can make a smooth transition to life in England if Man United end up securing Simon’s services in the future.
