When Jose Mourinho’s era was beginning at Manchester United, the fans of the club had two models of play in front of them. One was pragmatic setup which was what Chelsea had adapted in Jose’s second stint and one was the impressive model of Jose’s Real Madrid which had left the mark of stunning counter-attacking displays.
United started on an attacking model against the popular belief that Jose would play defensive. Juan Mata, Zlatan Ibrahimović, Jesse Lingard, Marcus Rashford and Wayne Rooney at times were the key players moving forward but soon the number of goals scored took a nose-dive.
In spite of the attacking strength, United were set up too defensively to gain results and even when they moved forward, the goals were hard to come by. It is pretty evident that with the summer window fast approaching, Jose would have his sights set on attacking players and the media would make the most of it linking players to the club.
Yacine Brahimi, the Algerian, has been catching attention for seasons now is the latest to be linked with the English giants. Porto have inserted a clause of 51 million pounds which is basically a reaction to the clubs swooping down from sides to price away Brahimi.
United need to assure him game time as well to get the dribbler and considering they need attacking reinforcements, it would be no surprise if they move for him.
Player Stats
In 21 appearances this season, the Algerian has netted six times with a shot accuracy hovering above the 50% mark.
What stands out the most is his ability to create and beat players with lethal pace and dribbling. He has played 20 key passes and his average duel percentage stands at a phenomenal 65%.
He has won 82 out of 113 take-ons which is just brilliant for a winger and has suffered 74% fouls which also hints at his ability to deceive and lure defenders in order to beat them. (Statistics via Squawka.com)
What does he offer to the club?
As the statistics have pointed it out already, Brahimi is an example of a modern day winger who likes to get involved in the play centrally, get in behind the line of defenders, cut in and have a shot at goal or link up with other players and create chances. His ability to beat defenders down the wing and stretch defences is remarkable but it is something United do not need.
In the likes of Martial, Rashford and Mkhitaryan, United already have players who possess the same qualities of Brahimi and can play in the same role.
Is Brahimi worth the money?
Considering United already have competition in the area which Brahimi plays, 51 million pounds for a similar player would be shocking and unnecessary. Brahimi is worth near the 30 million mark and is certainly not the value set by Porto.