Manchester United are reportedly keeping an eye on Richarlison’s situation at Everton ahead of the summer transfer window.
The Red Devils have struggled to score goals in several big games this season, with Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to Old Trafford not making much of a difference in the Premier League.
They bowed out of the Champions League last 16 against Atletico Madrid last week and find themselves sixth in the league table, four points adrift of fourth-placed Arsenal.
According to Goal Brazil, Manchester United have expressed their interest in Everton forward Richarlison after being impressed with his goal return in the last couple of seasons.
The Brazilian international, 24, has scored 47 goals in 142 appearances for a lacklustre Everton side since joining from Watford in 2018. However, he has struggled for form his term, having registered only five goals in 23 appearances across all competitions.
Manchester United are believed to be monitoring Richarlison’s situation at Goodison Park as Everton’s potential relegation could see him opt for a transfer away from the club this summer, the report adds.
Richarlison to Manchester United – The right fit at Old Trafford?
Manchester United have a big decision to make about their new manager, with interim boss Ralf Rangnick’s tenure up at the end of the season. After a permanent manager is appointed, the club will quickly need to turn its focus towards the summer transfer window.
Manchester United want Everton's forward Richarlison but could face competition from former Toffees boss Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid. (Source: Goal) pic.twitter.com/Qy0CbsXmi5
— Transfer News Central (@TransferNewsCen) March 22, 2022
The Red Devils’ priority has to be signing a defensive midfielder to add stability and balance in their starting XI. In addition, they must sign a centre-forward, with Edinson Cavani set to depart on a free transfer, Mason Greenwood indefinitely suspended for legal reasons and Cristiano Ronaldo not being the same force at 37 years old.
So, it is not like the next manager will have plenty of attacking weapons to start with next season, making the signing of a quality forward a no-brainer for Manchester United. Richarlison, in that regard, wouldn’t be a bad option.
The Brazilian can play out wide or upfront, as witnessed for Everton over the last few years, and such kind of versatility could make him a good fit at Old Trafford. The 24-year-old could potentially fill the void left by Cavani and operate as a centre-forward as well as rotate with Ronaldo, who has agreed to fulfill his contract in Manchester after the club promised to make a top-class managerial recruitment.
Richarlison has the speed, tenacity, work rate and ability to link play, and with attacking players like Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes already in the ranks, he could bring more fluidity to the Reds’ attack.
Add his consistent goal-scoring numbers for Everton and Premier League experience to the aforementioned attributes, the Selecao star has the makings of a top buy for the Mancunian giants.
As a result, if the new Manchester United manager thinks Richarlison can make a difference at the club—both in the short and long term—they must go all out for his pursuit in the summer.