Manchester United are looking to improve their options in defence and have been looking at some star players to add to their squad this summer. They have been linked to some of the biggest names in Europe and one player that is now closer to a move to Old Trafford is PSG defender Serge Aurier.
According to reports from French news outfit L’Equipe, the Ligue 1 defender has spoken to Mourinho about his desire to play for him next season. He could cost around £16m and is a superb option for the Red Devils this summer. But what exactly will Aurier bring to Old Trafford?
Currently banned from entering the UK subject to an ongoing investigation and Jose Mourinho will be well aware of the controversies that the player seems to attract regularly. However, even with all such disputes, Aurier is still one of the finest youngsters on show in France.
Having made more than 30 senior appearances for the Ivory Coast national side, Aurier is an experienced player, who is a right-back by trait. He is versatile and can play in the other three defensive positions but Mourinho will want him as a replacement for Antonio Valencia for the long term.
The Ecuador international is currently the first choice right-back for Manchester United this season. He started his career as a winger but his transition has been effective and he has been excellent in this position for Mourinho this season. He has got a lot of praise from Mourinho, which shows that he will not be sold anytime soon, but at 31, he is not an option to play all four competitions next season and Aurier could play a perfect second fiddle for him in the next campaign.
An excellent dribbler with exceptional crossing abilities, Aurier is an attacking full-back with some serious vision. He loves to take on his man on the wing to get behind the defensive line of the opposition, to try and pick out his man with crosses into the box. But he is also capable of playing short passes and helping in buildup play when his side needs to do so.
He has been in and out of the PSG team this season, picking up five assists in all competitions and his strength and ability to hold up play and help his side defensively make him a perfect fit for Manchester United. At 24, he might want to play regularly and at United, he will have to play second fiddle only for a year.
Valencia could yet start the next season at right back for United but as already mentioned, he cannot be trusted in all four competitions and for the future. Aurier might have to be a backup in the next campaign but if he can earn the trust of the manager, it will not take too long for him to cement a place in the first team. With options at a premium in this position in Europe this summer, Mourinho should do all it takes to land the PSG star at the end of the season.
