This summer is massive for Ruben Amorim if he is to succeed as Manchester United manager, needing to oversee a huge transformation of the first-team squad.
Their lowly Premier League standing this campaign is evidence that changes are desperately needed if they are to return to their former glory in the years ahead.
Whilst they still have a chance to claim a trophy in the form of the Europa League, it has undoubtedly been a disappointing year for the Red Devils – recording their lowest points tally in the Premier League era.
However, with a couple of weeks left of the season, the hierarchy have wasted no time in targeting reinforcements for Amorim, aiding him in his quest of being a success at Old Trafford.
One area of the pitch in particular has been the subject of keen interest in the last couple of days, with the side in desperate need of reinforcements to take the Red Devils to the next level.
An update on United’s pursuit of new attackers this summer
Matheus Cunha has been the main target for United within the final third, with his move edging closer to completion, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Striker Jean-Philippe Mateta is the latest player to emerge on the club’s shortlist, potentially linking up with the Brazilian at Old Trafford should they both move.
The Frenchman isn’t the only striker currently on their shortlist, with Liam Delap also a key target after his £30m release clause became active after Ipswich Town’s relegation was confirmed.
However, Lyon star man Rayan Cherki has been touted with a summer switch to Manchester, with CaughtOffside reporting Amorim’s men are leading the race for his signature.
The 21-year-old has notched 12 goals and 19 assists across all competitions this season, and could be available for as little as £25m during the upcoming window.
Why Cherki could be even better than Amad
Winger Amad Diallo has become a key player during the Amorim tenure at United, notching 11 combined goals and assists since his arrival, but injuries have massively halted his progress.
The Ivorian has been missing for the last three months with an ankle issue, with the side massively missing his presence within the final third – leading to their lowly league standing.
However, he could be about to provide a huge boost to the side between now and the end of the season, as it’s been confirmed that he’s set to return to training after his lay-off.
Such a situation will undoubtedly improve their chances of claiming the Europa League, but his place in the side could be under huge threat going into the 2025/26 campaign.
A move for Cherki would massively boost the forward line in Amorim’s side, offering an upgrade to Amad and pushing the side closer to success in the near future.
When comparing his stats with those of the Ivorian from the ongoing season, he’s massively outperforming him in numerous key attacking areas – with the £25m fee touted appearing to be a bargain.
The Lyon star, who’s been labelled “one of the best in the world” by one analyst, has registered more combined goals and assists to date, whilst also having a higher shot-on-target accuracy rate – showcasing his clinical nature in the final third.
|
How Rayan Cherki compares to Amad Diallo in 2024/25 |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Statistics (per 90) |
Cherki |
Amad |
|
Games played |
27 |
22 |
|
Goals & assists |
18 |
12 |
|
Progressive passes |
9.3 |
2.9 |
|
Shot-on-target accuracy |
44% |
32% |
|
Shot-creating actions |
6.2 |
4.5 |
|
Take-ons completed |
2.1 |
2 |
|
Carries into final third |
3.8 |
2.6 |
|
Crosses completed |
5.2 |
2.2 |
|
Stats via FBref |
||
He’s also managed to complete way more progressive passes and completed more of the dribbles he’s attempted – having the skillset to provide other players within attacking areas.
Cherki’s talents don’t end there, completing more crosses and managing to achieve more carries into the final third – with the youngster excelling with the ball at his feet.
The United side has been devoid of flair and entertainment within the attacking department in recent years, with a deal for Cherki providing the excitement the supporters have often failed to see in their recent demise.
He could feature alongside Amad at the top end of the pitch under Amorim for many years to come, having the tools to push the club one step closer to the glory days they once endured.
Related
Big Garnacho upgrade: Man Utd set to open talks to sign “extraordinary” star
Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing a star who would be a big upgrade on Alejandro Garnacho.
