Transfer News:
Bayern Munich’s soul-crushing defeat to Real Madrid in the semifinals of the Champions League could pave the way for a major revamp in the squad. Despite playing in Bundesliga, where Bayern dominate the proceedings throughout the campaign, their performances in the Champions League have been unimpressive.
Though they made it to the semifinals, the final punch was lacking and hence Madrid pushed Bayern out of the tournament. Accordingly, star forward Robert Lewandowski’s future has been in the news as the Pole has reportedly been keen on a move away from the Allianz Arena. Real Madrid and Manchester United are reportedly battling each other to secure his signature.
Lewandowski: A number 9
The Pole is actually one amongst the rare breed of top quality strikers in European football at the moment. As football is evolving, the style of play has changed too and hence nowadays strikers are expected to drop down a line and to play deeper at times to connect the play from the attacking midfield position. However, Lewandowski remains to be a traditional number 9, someone who knows how to score goals at an excellent rate on a regular basis.
He can make those threatening runs to the box, in order to find through balls. Lewandowski is extremely strong and well built and that helps him to hold the ball up in order to bring the wingers in the play. He has a good touch and controls the ball well in cramped spaces. Lewandowski’s positional awareness helps him to pick the right space inside the box in order to poach a goal or two. His shot power is strong, and Robert provides an aerial threat inside the box too.
He can make regular use of the deliveries made by the fullbacks inside the box and is a tough man to come up against in the air. Robert is quick on the field, and that makes him difficult to mark too.
Should Manchester United make a move?
Despite the obvious talent that Lewandowski possesses, signing him is not an option that United might be considering currently. Jose Mourinho’s team desperately needs two modern fullbacks, a central midfielder, and a central defender if possible. Antonio Valencia and Ashley Young have done a tremendous job by filling in as makeshift fullbacks. However, the team needs an upgrade on both these players as they have entered their 30s and the team needs more offensive contribution from the flanks.
In the attacking department, they already have Romelu Lukaku as the first-choice striker, while Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford, and Alexis Sanchez could fill in as strikers too. Especially at a time when Andreas Pereira might return to United permanently too, the attacking unit is well stocked and needs no more major names. I really do not see United making any viable move for Robert Lewandowski in the summer.
