After heavy expenditure on new signings last summer, Manchester United should have really fought for the title, however, they are just fighting to finish in the top four.
Jose Mourinho needs to splash the cash to sign top players this summer as well if he wants the Red Devils to seriously challenge for the PL crown next season.
According to reports (Daily Mail via L’Equipe), Man Utd are close to sealing the signing of Ivorian international and Paris Saint-German star Serge Aurier, who has verbally agreed to join the Old Trafford club in the summer transfer window.
At the moment, Antonio Valencia mainly starts in the right back position for the Red Devils but the Ecuadorian will turn 32 in August and United need a quality replacement, who could serve the club in the years to come. In such a scenario, Aurier perfectly fits the bill.
The 24-year-old former Toulouse star is a versatile talent, who can play effectively on either side of the defense and can also be utilized on the right side of the midfield if needed. Renowned for his raw pace, he has provided 4 assists in 19 league games for PSG this season.
Back in November, former Ivory Coast boss Sabri Lamouchi praised the £18million ($23million) rated star and claimed (Mirror):
“If you were to put him (Serge) tomorrow in Arsenal’s, Chelsea’s or Manchester United’s team, he would start.”
An explosive, powerful and quick full-back is exceptional, there aren’t many on the market. He’s not at his best yet, either.”
Serge’s current deal with the Ligue 1 giants will expire in 2019 and as per the provided Daily Mail link, PSG do not want to sell him and will reject even an offer of 20 million euros.
Mourinho must take Aurier’s discipline into consideration as well. Last year, he was fined and given two month jail term for assaulting a police officer (BBC). He was not even allowed to enter UK and therefore, missed the game against Arsenal in the Champions League.
In your opinion, is Serge good enough to replace Valencia?
Really have no idea how good he is….How can we sign someone who is not allowed to come to England?