Manchester United have strengthened up front but might need to reinforce the wings should one or two stars exit before the end of the summer transfer window.
Joshua Zirkzee is likely to play up front when he regains match-fitness with Rasmus Hojlund expected to miss six weeks of action.
Erik ten Hag had suggested that Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho could play as false nines in the interim, a strategy he used against Manchester City in the Community Shield.
The Mancunian missed a couple of sitters while Jadon Sancho’s future remains up in the air. Despite settling his differences with the manager, the former Borussia Dortmund star could yet leave should a club come calling.
United could strengthen out wide
INEOS are also eager to move Antony on following two disappointing years in Manchester. But so far, the winger has refused to leave and not too many sides are interested in the former Ajax man.
But should either of the two or both depart, the 20-time English league champions might be forced to dip into the market to add to their depth out wide and as per Sport, Raphinha is piquing their interest.
The Brazilian, who can play on either wing, netted 10 times and registered 13 assists last term for the Blaugrana and is also Premier League-proven, having plied his trade for Leeds in the past.
Barca are desperate to sell the forward who has insisted to the club hierarchy that he is not interested in leaving the Camp Nou. A club needs to offer €60 million to get the job done, a sum United currently do not have in the bank.
“Saudi Arabia wants Raphinha, but in recent days Manchester United has also entered the fray. The English team is close to transferring Antony and would look favourably on the departure of Jadon Sancho, so they are looking for an effective player on the wing.
Raphina the target
“And the one who is most liked is the Blaugrana star, who has already shown that he performs well in the Premier League and whose numbers at Barça are palpably regular.
“Raphinha does not want to leave. He has already said this to the board and the sporting department. Barça is clear that if United presents an official offer of more than 60 million euros, the sale is obligatory.”
Ideally, the three-time Champions League winners need depth upfront considering Hojlund’s injury instead of strengthening out wide where they already have a lot of talent.
Paying €60 million for the Brazil international might not be the best move unless significant sales are realised between now and the end of the window. So it is best to take this update with a pinch of salt.
Play for free to win the new United kit! We’re awarding a new prize every PL matchweek, courtesy of Goat Kits! To play, just (1) Join the brand new weekly PL Challenge league here with our league code puu1tk and enter this week’s competition. (2) Follow The Peoples Person on X and answer the tie breaker question. Full instructions and rules here.
You can also visit Goat Kits at goatkitstore.com and use discount code TPP30 to get 30% off your first purchase!
The post Manchester United mulling over strengthening out wide with Barcelona’s Raphinha a target appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.