With all the talk surrounding the future of Matteo Darmian, and many still questioning Antonio Valencia’s abilities as a right-back, if Manchester United were to strengthen one position this winter, it might be at full-back.
While most fans might not want to see the Italian leave, José Mourinho made it pretty clear before the Ecuadorian’s injury that the former Torino full-back wasn’t in his first-team plans.
Forced to play Darmian since during Valencia’s temporary layoff, Mourinho could be looking at other options on the market in case a tempting offer for the Italy international comes in.
The obvious targets would be some of the world’s best, considering money doesn’t appear to be an issue at Manchester United, and that includes Serge Aurier.
The Ivory Coast international, who made headlines for his rather controversial use of Periscope last season, is undeniably talented, but off the pitch issues make him someone most clubs might look to avoid.
His former international manager, Sabri Lamouchi, explained to L’Equipe that to get the best out of Aurier, he needs to ‘feel loved’, and that when he is on form, he was in the top three in the world in his position.
He said: “He falls into that category now more than ever. If you were to put him tomorrow in Arsenal’s, Chelsea’s or Manchester United’s team, he would start. An explosive, powerful and quick full-back is exceptional, there aren’t many on the market. He’s not at his best yet, either.”
Looking at how well Hector Bellerin is playing for Arsenal, we doubt Wenger would be tempted to disrupt his side’s balance right now, and with Antonio Conte finding the ideal man for the job at wing-back in Victor Moses, that only really leaves Manchester United to make Lamouchi’s claim acceptable.
Then again, a lot would rest on how much Paris Saint-Germain want to keep him.
Considering they bought Thomas Meunier in the summer, and have a talented youngster in Alec Georgen also at the club, getting rid of a problematic player, albeit a very good one, might not be such a bad idea.
