Manchester United have reportedly joined Arsenal in the race for Shakhtar Donetsk’s highly-rated winger Mykhailo Mudryk.
The Ukrainian international, 21, has been linked with a whole host of top European clubs in the summer transfer window after his eye-catching performances for Shakhtar Donetsk last term. Arsenal had a late bid of around £30m in the summer rejected by Shakhtar as they were reluctant to lose him, although the Gunners could renew their interest in the player, who has a growing list of admirers.
According to The Sun, Manchester United have been tracking Mykhailo Mudryk for some time now, with the scouts keeping a close eye on him. It is unlikely they will go for the 21-year-old in the winter transfer window, after having spent huge sums to strengthen their squad over the past summer.
Mudryk has been in fantastic form for Shakhtar Donetsk this season, showcasing his talents in the Champions League and registering eight goals and as many assists in all competitions. The Ukrainian scored three times in the Champions League group stages, and was scouted by many leading European clubs while scoring a spectacular goal against Celtic in September, the report adds.
Mykhailo Mudryk to Man United—Should Ten Hag pursue him?
Manchester United have made tangible progress under Erik ten Hag after a horrendous start to the season and now sit fifth in the table. However, they are not the finished article and have a few areas in the squad to address before challenging for bigger prizes again.
One of those is the forward department, with the Red Devils scoring only 20 goals in 14 league games. Anthony Martial has endured another injury-hit campaign at the club, while Jadon Sancho has faded after a bright start to the season. Marcus Rashford has shown signs of getting back to his sublime best but his future is still up in the air due to his contract running down.
And in addition, it now looks as though Cristiano Ronaldo will never play for Man United following his explosive interview with Piers Morgan, as international break means club football will resume just days before the transfer window reopens in January.
And while Ten Hag could consider his options enough to see out this season without Ronaldo, there is a huge chance he will go in for another attacker in the summer.
Mykhailo Mudryk, in that regard, would be a smashing fit at Man United. Mudryk is one of the hottest properties in Europe and his price tag has increased radically following his sizzling performances for Shakhtar this season, especially in the Champions League.
The Ukrainian international is primarily a wide player but can also operate in the hole behind the striker. Quick, dynamic and energetic with great vision and first touch, the youngster has developed a knack for scoring some crucial goals for Shakhtar and can even create some promising chances for his teammates in the final third. He would add flair, creativity, energy and goals to a Man United side trying to play an attractive and possession-based brand of football under Ten Hag.
However, United will need to be ready to splash a lot of money to sign Mudryk, and considering the clubs circling around him, they should also look at striking some sort of agreement in January for a subsequent transfer in the summer.
