Manchester United in pole position as Real Madrid admit defeat in the race for Rayan Cherki | OneFootball

Given Ruben Amorim’s midfield problems, Bruno Fernandes has been forced to play as a deep-lying playmaker which has meant a lack of creativity in forward areas.

Alejandro Garnacho’s form has dropped at the worst possible time while Christian Eriksen no longer has the legs to operate in the head coach’s system which is why a departure is on the cards in the summer.

Kobbie Mainoo is currently injured and he does not have a fixed role nor the fitness levels to play in that position while his future also remains up in the air.

Amad was excelling in that role before his injury and he might be dropped to the wingback position as per reports. Given the duo of Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte do not have the nous of the Manchester United skipper, Amorim has had no choice but to play Fernandes deeper.

United need attacking midfielder

While he has still produced superb numbers, Amorim might try and recruit an equally effective attacking midfielder in the summer and United will come face-to-face with the perfect player in the Europa League quarter-final — Rayan Cherki of Olympique Lyon.

The Frenchman has a nine goals from 27 starts across all competitions, and an incredible 18 assists. And he is only 21, the perfect age for INEOS. He can play not only as an attacking midfielder but also out on the wings and even up front if needed.

Cherki’s creativity is unmatched with the Lyon ace currently falling in the 99th percentile for progressive passes, assists and shot-creating actions, while figuring in the 96th percentile for successful take-ons (via fbref).

His contract is up in 2026 and the France U21 international has a release clause of just €30 million, which will suit the Red Devils due to their financial situation.

The Olympic silver-medallist’s form has naturally attracted a lot of attention with Real Madrid also eyeing him while Tottenham Hotspur are also interested.

But as per Real Madrid Confidencial, Los Blancos have admitted defeat just like last summer when they lost out on Leny Yoro to the 20-time English league champions.

Real admit defeat

“With an offer of €30 million, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are seeking the signing of Rayan Cherki. The Olympique Lyonnais player is one of the greatest talents currently in French football. Shining both in attack and midfield, Real Madrid also considered his transfer.

“Furthermore, with his contract expiring in 2026, his departure from Lyon was practically a given for the following summer transfer window. While Real Madrid saw potential in signing Cherki, their plans have once again been thwarted by the Premier League. Avoiding a bidding war for Cherki, the Frenchman’s future now points to a move to English football.

“Just like what happened with Leny Yoro during the last summer transfer window, Real Madrid is close to parting ways with another French talent. Although Real Madrid could choose to fight for this signing, this would lead to a battle that might not end well.”

Surely INEOS can use their French connections to stave off competition for the “exceptional” Cherki, especially if he impresses against Amorim’s side in the coming weeks.

Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social