Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing young Argentine midfielder Thiago Almada, who currently plays for Argentinian club, Velez Sarsfield. The 19-year-old has racked up 46 appearances for the club, scoring 9 goals and providing 4 assists.
As per Manchester Evening News, Thiago Almada is seen as an alternative to United’s main target, Jadon Sancho. The Red Devils reportedly have other options if the deal to bring Sancho falls through. The report further states that Bournemouth’s David Brooks and Schalke’s Rabbi Matondo, are players manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is considering.
Almada, who is regarded as one of the brightest prospects in Argentinian football, has had an encouraging 2019-20 season for his club.
Thiago Almada: Good option for Ole?
Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho is one of the most exciting attackers in world football currently, and he is ready to make the big step up from the German club. Manchester United have been long-time admirers of the former Manchester City player, who has scored 33 goals and provided 37 assists in 88 appearances for the club in the league and Champions League.
He would be a fantastic signing for Manchester United, but if the Red Devils can’t make a deal happen, they will have to look elsewhere. United desperately need quality additions to their squad, especially on the right side of attack.
But, a young player like Thiago Almada won’t solve United’s issues on the right. Almada is a player who can play on the right or left and even as an attacking midfielder. The diminutive midfielder is a clever passer of the ball, who has the technical ability to unlock defences with his accurate passing. He averaged 1.7 long balls and 1.3 key passes for his club in the 2019-20 season.
Thiago Almada is also a decent dribbler, using his low centre of gravity and burst of acceleration to get past players. He is a creative player who always looks to play the ball forward and try and breach the opposition lines.
But, he is nowhere near the quality of Sancho. Almada has only played 46 senior games, all of which have come in the Argentine league – a far cry from the quality of the Premier League. The Red Devils could sign Almada as a squad player, one that could compete for a starting place in a few years from now, but not as a player to start games alongside the likes of Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes which is what Ole should be looking at now.
The manager already has the likes of Daniel James, Mason Greenwood and Tahith Chong waiting in the wings to try and impress for a regular role but Ole has to look for a more high-profile signing as United need that extra push to try and break into the top 4 and make themselves at home there.
Stats Courtesy: Whoscored
