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Man Utd’s Pursuit of Randal Kolo Muani: A Move Towards Goals or Another Gamble?

Manchester United’s hunt for a proven goalscorer has become more urgent as they target Paris Saint-Germain’s Randal Kolo Muani, a player who could inject energy into their attack. Recent reports from TeamTalk suggest that United are gearing up for a massive €70million (£58.6m) bid to bring Kolo Muani to Old Trafford. With their summer signings yet to make a consistent impact, the question remains: Is Kolo Muani the answer to United’s frontline woes, or is this move another risk for Erik ten Hag’s side?

Kolo Muani’s Struggles in Paris

Kolo Muani was a high-profile acquisition for PSG in September 2023, joining for a substantial €95 million (£79.5m) fee following an impressive spell at Eintracht Frankfurt, where he registered 23 goals and 17 assists in just 46 games. However, his tenure at PSG has been somewhat underwhelming. With limited appearances and a preference by manager Luis Enrique to deploy Gonçalo Ramos or Désiré Doué in the centre-forward role, Kolo Muani has found his opportunities limited in the French capital.

Photo: IMAGO

TEAMtalk’s report notes that PSG may be open to listening to offers for the 25-year-old as they look to recoup a significant portion of their investment. This development has placed United in a prime position to “go all out” for Kolo Muani, a player they considered before ultimately signing Rasmus Højlund in 2023. Could Kolo Muani’s versatile attacking capabilities – able to play both as a striker and winger – offer United the dynamic offensive threat they’ve been seeking?

Competition in United’s Attack

At United, Kolo Muani would find competition not only with Højlund but also with recent acquisition Joshua Zirkzee. Zirkzee, who joined from Bologna for £36.5 million, started his United career promisingly by scoring the winner in his debut against Fulham. However, his form has since waned, and Italian media have hinted that he could be on the move again as early as next summer, with Juventus and AC Milan both interested in the Dutchman.

United’s interest in Kolo Muani comes at a time when their frontline appears unsettled. Marcus Rashford, the primary left-winger, has struggled to find consistent form, while Jadon Sancho’s move to Chelsea and the ongoing underperformance of Antony has left a gap on the right wing. As a versatile player who can operate on either flank, Kolo Muani could potentially fill multiple roles in Ten Hag’s setup. His pace and dribbling skills, as noted by TEAMtalk, “would trouble most right-backs in the Premier League.”

Financial Risk or Calculated Investment?

For United fans, the pursuit of Kolo Muani might raise questions. Why would PSG be willing to part ways with a player they invested so heavily in just a year ago? The decision suggests that Kolo Muani may not have met the lofty expectations placed upon him, which naturally brings some level of concern for a prospective buyer like United. Nonetheless, Ten Hag has made it clear that a new striker is needed, especially one with the experience and physicality required to thrive in the Premier League.

With Kolo Muani available for €70 million, United may view this as an opportunity to address their attacking struggles, albeit at a considerable financial cost. The Frenchman’s proven track record in the Bundesliga shows he can score, but can he replicate that form in the Premier League, where defenders are typically more physical and the play is faster?

As PSG remains open to offers, United have a clear pathway to bring Kolo Muani in. However, should they commit to such a substantial fee without assurance of his success, it could result in another costly misstep for the club.

Is This the Right Move for Man Utd?

While Kolo Muani’s talents are evident, his recent struggles at PSG highlight the potential risks of signing him. United’s frontline has been in need of reinvigoration, yet the decision to go after Kolo Muani must be carefully weighed. Would he gel with Ten Hag’s system, and how would he cope with the Premier League’s demands? This transfer could either serve as a shrewd piece of business or an expensive gamble – one that Ten Hag and United’s hierarchy must seriously consider.

Statistical Analysis by EPL Index

Kolo Muani’s Offensive Prowess

Randal Kolo Muani’s recent performance data reveals his impressive contributions in various attacking metrics. According to stats from Fbref, Kolo Muani ranks in the 77th percentile for assists and boasts a combined xG + xAG in the 83rd percentile. These numbers suggest his skill in both scoring and setting up teammates, a vital asset for any forward. His non-penalty expected goals (npxG) stand in the 73rd percentile, emphasising his capability to generate scoring opportunities without relying on penalties.

Possession and Progression Strengths

Kolo Muani’s proficiency extends to possession-based metrics. Notably, he is in the 95th percentile for successful take-ons, highlighting his exceptional dribbling and one-on-one abilities. His high percentile ranks in progressive carries (77%) and progressive passes received (90%) underline his movement in advanced positions, demonstrating his capacity to drive the ball forward and penetrate defences effectively. His touch rate, placed in the 72nd percentile, further indicates his involvement in possession and distribution, showcasing an ability to link up with teammates effectively in the build-up phase.

Defensive Contribution and Aerial Dominance

Defensively, Kolo Muani brings a surprising degree of robustness. His aerial prowess is particularly notable, as he ranks in the 94th percentile for aerial duels won, a valuable skill for an attacking player. Moreover, he is in the 82nd percentile for tackles plus interceptions, and the 58th percentile for dribblers tackled, illustrating his willingness to contribute defensively. Though his clearance rate (23rd percentile) is lower, this is understandable given his attacking role.

In conclusion, Kolo Muani’s stats from Fbref paint a picture of a versatile forward who is adept in offensive and defensive aspects, with standout skills in possession and aerial duels. For a team seeking a dynamic, multi-faceted attacker, Kolo Muani presents an intriguing option.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

As Manchester United fans, the prospect of signing Randal Kolo Muani is thrilling. With his blistering pace and goal-scoring ability, he could be the player we’ve been waiting for to finally bring our attack to life. Sure, Rasmus Højlund has shown flashes of promise, but imagine the combination of his raw power and Kolo Muani’s agility. The Frenchman’s versatility, playing both as a striker and on the wings, could be the exact solution we need to bolster our inconsistent frontline.

What’s even more exciting is the potential impact he could have on our young talents. Players like Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo would benefit tremendously from training alongside a player of Kolo Muani’s calibre. His arrival could inject that much-needed spark into the team and give our attack some real depth. Plus, if Erik ten Hag trusts him enough to make this deal happen, it’s a signal that Kolo Muani can deliver in the Premier League.

We’ve seen United take some risks in the transfer market, but this feels like a calculated move. United has always thrived when we have that extra attacking edge, and with Kolo Muani, there’s a chance to reignite our forward line. If he adapts quickly, he could be the player to help us reclaim our rightful place at the top of English football. Here’s hoping he brings the firepower we need to challenge for trophies once again!