Manchester United It was a really bad month in December. Red Devils Played nine times last monthwinning only three matches at that time.
One of them came at the beginning of the month against Everton, which the team lost 4-0 at Old Trafford. They also won away to Viktoria Plzeň 2-1 in the Europa League, and achieved a famous victory away to Manchester City 2-1.
However, that was as good as it got Robin Amroem side. They then lost the next four games, including a 3-0 defeat at home to Bournemouth and a 2-0 loss away to relegation-threatened Wolves.
There is no doubt that United need reinforcements during January, and they have been linked with someone who could significantly improve their squad.
Manchester United's January target is at full-back
The player in question here is Bournemouth wing-back Milos Kerkes. The 21-year-old Hungary international has impressed for the Cherries this season and could now leave the club as soon as January.
According to a report from GIVEMESPORTUnited is one of the four parties interested in signing the defender next January. However, they are set to face competition from the Big Three Premier League Rivals, specifically Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.
The south coast side, who travel in the Premier League this season, are believed to be “willing to play hardball” with the Red Devils and other parties interested in signing him.
Football Insider reported in December An offer of £40m would be the minimum required to sign the defender, but they could hold out for more.
Why would Kerkez be a good signing for Manchester United?
Cherries boss Andoni Iraola has been full of praise for Kerkez throughout the 2024/25 season. At the beginning of NovemberHe explained that the young man was “strong this season.”
This is definitely reflected in his stats. Iraola's confidence in the young defender is clear He started it 19 times out of a possible 19 In the Premier League.
He scored once and provided two assists, both of which came in the famous 2-1 win over Manchester City.
Gary Neville has been very vocal about United needing a new wing-back sooner rather than later. Legend of the Red Devils He told Sky Sports That, in the transfer market, the club must “start with the basics of this system, which is the full-back.” The former United captain may be one of those who has enjoyed seeing continued links with Kirkese over the past few days.
Hungarian may be an ideal alternative to Diogo Dalotwho has been playing as a left-back lately. In fact, Neville criticized the Portuguese star and Nassir Mazraoui, Explaining that there is neither of them “Very good on the offensive side of the field.” Dalot has managed just one assist so far this season 19 matches in the Premier League.
This is certainly a cause for concern for Amorim, and the statistical numbers support the theory that Kirkez will be an offensive improvement. Statistics are also shown via SquawkaThe gap between the two is clearly visible.
For example, the 21-year-old Cherries defender creates an average of 1.1 chances and completes 0.9 crosses per 90 minutes in the Premier League this season. In comparison, Dalot creates just 0.8 chances per game and completes just 0.2 crosses. The difference is stark.
|
Compare key stats for Kerkez & Dalot |
||
|---|---|---|
|
State (per 90) |
Karkiz |
sharing |
|
Created opportunities |
1.1 |
0.8 |
|
I tried crosses |
2.9 |
1.6 |
|
The crosses are completed |
0.9 |
0.2 |
|
Forward passes |
14.9 |
14.9 |
|
Receipt success rate |
52.94% |
50% |
|
Statistics from Skooka |
||
It certainly looks like signing Kerkez, a flying wing-back who can get up and down the left flank with ease, would be an upgrade over Dalot. He is statistically better, with higher offensive ability and an excellent motor.
The youngster has been described as “one of the best young left-backs in football” By football scout Antonio Mango. This certainly looks like the type of player who would be a great addition to Amroim's side as they look to gain promotion to the Premier League.
