Forget Mendes, United can ‘instantly improve’ by signing £50m left wing-back in January – opinion | OneFootball

Manchester United should explore a deal for Wolverhampton Wanderers star Rayan Ait-Nouri during the January transfer window.

The Red Devils have had a frustrating first half to the Premier League season. They have picked up only 22 points from 18 games.

United are languishing 14th in the league standings and seven points behind a potential Champions League spot in fifth.

It is clear that manager Ruben Amorim needs reinforcement in January, and a new left wing-back appears the top priority for now.

The club have been linked with Paris Saint-Germain’s Nuno Mendes in the last 24 hours, with reports claiming that an offer has been made.

Record in Portugal have swiftly dismissed the speculation, and we believe United should focus on landing Ait-Nouri from Wolves next month.

The Algeria international has been exceptional from the left-back and left wing-back roles for Wolves this campaign despite their struggles.

He has registered three goals and three assists from 17 league appearances for the Midlands outfit.

The 23-year-old has also completed 86 percent of his passes with 61 percent of his dribbles won.

He has likewise impressed defensively with 5.7 duels, 4.5 recoveries, 2.4 tackles and two clearances on average in the league this term.

Ait-Nouri would ‘instantly improve‘ United as journalist Henry Winter said. He could easily adapt due to his familiarity with the 3-4-2-1 formation.

Mendes has also played in the same set-up in the past under Amorim at Sporting CP, but his injury record over the last 18 months is a concern.

The Portuguese has missed almost 50 games for the club with recurring hamstring injuries. He has also been absent due to fitness issues this season.

Keeping this in mind, United should make a huge outlay on Ait-Nouri instead. A deal may obviously depend on player sales to recoup funds.

Wolves will be reluctant to lose their prized assets this winter, but a proposal of around £50 million from United could seriously test their resolve.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com

Article written by Sri Aswin .