Transfer News:
Manchester United have been seemingly dormant in the transfer window this time around and the concerns regarding the club’s ability to challenge for the title next season are not uncalled for. They were expected to address some glaring issues that also included bringing in a veteran centre-back.
However, there has hardly been a strong rumour surrounding that and it now seems that United have changed their stance regarding their transfers too. In a surprising development, Robert Lewandowski has been linked with a move to Jose Mourinho’s team.
The striker’s situation at Bayern Munich has hardly been convincing and Lewandowski looks keen to seek a move away in order to attract higher wages and overcome new challenges. United have stockpiled their attacking department and hence this transfer rumour seems to be interesting right now.
Lewandowski: Player Profile
The 29-year-old is a prolific striker, a classic number 9 of sorts who possesses a strong finishing technique. He is tall and has a good physique, something that enables him to play off the shoulder of the last man. Lewandowski can bully the defenders with his rigid hold-up play and brings the other forwards into play by playing smart passes to the flanks.
However, his tendency to get at the end of crosses and judge the through-balls directed at him before coolly putting them in the back of the net is what makes him so ruthless and productive in front of the goal. He has the knack of being in the right position at the right moment and that enables him to score goals at a consistent rate.
Lewandowski can dribble past opponents but lacks a general flair in his game. Otherwise, he is consistent with respect to notching goals and can be a reliable striker to have upfront.
Should Manchester United make a move?
United signed Romelu Lukaku last season for a huge fee to ensure stability in that position for the foreseeable future. On top of that, Alexis Sanchez arrived from Arsenal to boost the forward line. Though, the team lacks a right-winger, signing Lewandowski does not seem to be necessary currently. United’s backline needs some core strengthening, that is, a reliable, experienced centre-back.
Moreover, if United are looking to add up numbers in the forward line, then they should sign a player who predominantly plays through the right. Bringing in Lewandowski would mean that Lukaku would have to shift to the right flank. The Belgian has shown capabilities of putting in mean crosses from that flank and can run at defenders using his strength and dribbling skills too.
However, it would be weird to switch his position at a time when Lukaku has shown signs of improvement and scored 27 goals in his debut season at United. Lewandowski’s signing would mess things up on the attacking front, and that is something that United should look to avoid right now.
