Manchester United are reportedly the latest club interested in signing FC Porto star Luis Diaz.
The Colombian international, 24, is presently enjoying a stellar campaign with FC Porto, bagging 13 goals and three assists in 20 appearances across all competitions. He has helped Sergio Conceicao’s side to the joint-top of Liga NOS standings, unbeaten with 12 wins and two draws.
According to Spanish outlet Fichajes (h/t TEAMtalk), Manchester United have joined arch-rivals Liverpool and Manchester City for the signing of FC Porto winger Luis Diaz.
Liverpool are leading the race for the highly-rated Colombian’s signature; however, the report adds that Ralf Rangnick’s Red Devils are preparing a bid for him as FC Porto’s early exit from the Champions League group stages could tempt them to cash in on Diaz in the upcoming winter window.
Manchester United haven’t been as free-flowing in the final third as they were last season, with summer signing Jadon Sancho enduring a slow start to life at Old Trafford and Bruno Fernandes going off the boil in recent times. New interim manager Ralf Rangnick could look to freshen things up in attack after starting his reign at the Mancunian club with back-to-back Premier League wins.
Luis Diaz to Manchester United – The freshness the need?
Considering the attacking talents Manchester United have got currently, 26 goals in 16 games is a paltry return. Cristiano Ronaldo is the club’s top scorer with seven league goals but he hasn’t found much support from his fellow forwards.
Marcus Rashford is yet to gain full fitness after returning from a shoulder operation in October, while Anthony Martial wants to leave Old Trafford for regular playing opportunities. With Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard and Edinson Cavani out of contract at the end of the season, FC Porto’s Luis Diaz could be brought in as a fresh face to bolster the front-line.
Seria um bom reforço para United e/ou Liverpool? 🧐#sporttvportugal #ligaportugal #ligaportugalbwin #pl #premierleague #fcporto #porto #fcp #manchesterunited #manutd #liverpoolfc #liverpool #LuisDiaz pic.twitter.com/IRXn2hVYCV
— SPORT TV (@SPORTTVPortugal) November 16, 2021
Technically sound and tactically smart, Diaz can operate as a left-winger in a flat 4-4-2 or in the 4-3-3 system. He is pacey, agile, energetic and athletic, and likes to cut onto his right foot from the left flank to test the goalkeeper with powerful shots from outside the box or slide in an incisive pass in the final third. The Colombian is a real livewire and can be quite unpredictable with his exquisite dribbling skills in the final third.
The 24-year-old has proven himself in the Liga NOS and is at the right age to take the next big step in his career. A move to Old Trafford could be ideal for Diaz, as there is no doubt that he is a player who can be groomed into a world-class wide-man. He could join the Red Devils as a potential replacement for Martial while competing with the likes of Rashford, Sancho and Elanga for a spot in the starting XI.
All in all, Diaz’s potential acquisition could prove to be a step in the right direction towards a bigger and brighter future for Manchester United.