Just two less games have been lost by the Red Devils in the Premier League this season than they did the entire previous campaign. In addition, they have failed to score in three of their previous four games in all competitions.
Ten Hag might be obliged to scour the transfer market for a solution if Antony, Jadon Sancho, and Facundo Pellistri are unable to lock down the right-wing position in the United squad and have all failed to score this season.
Raphinha, the winger for Barcelona, has only made five starts in La Liga so far this year, but he isn’t interested in leaving Catalonia and is prepared to battle for his spot.
Given that Sancho is valued at £28 million and the Brazilian at £52 million on the transfer market, the swap agreement seems implausible and highly unlikely, especially given that Sancho’s present club is reportedly requesting €70 million (£61 million).
After joining Leeds United in 2020, the 26-year-old quickly became a sensation in the Premier League, amassing 17 goals and dishing out 12 assists in just two seasons.
Oscar Marrio of AllLeedsTV said that Raphinha was “unplayable” when wearing a Leeds shirt and was unquestionably the best player on a side that wasn’t very good. In just 15 games this season, he has contributed seven goals for Barcelona.
The Brazilian might follow in the footsteps of Angel Di Maria and become the next left-footed winger from South America to sign with Manchester United from a major La Liga team.
Raphinha is a player that enjoys taking charge, be it in terms of creating or trying to score for himself. Similar to how Alejandro Garnacho tackles the game on the left, Ten Hag’s team would immediately benefit from his competitive must-win attitude and persistent mentality, as evidenced by the figures above, including his shots total and xA.
Raphinha would undoubtedly be a fantastic addition to Manchester United’s attack, but there are worries that a situation similar to that of Di Maria may transpire, with the Argentine spending £60 million to move from Real Madrid and only staying at Old Trafford for one season.
Obviously, Raphinha is more experienced in English football than the present Benfica player, but it shouldn’t be United’s top priority to be burnt by another high-profile La Liga acquisition in January or the summer.
