In light of Antony’s ongoing struggles, Manchester United is facing a pressing need to fortify their attacking options. As the Premier League takes a pause before the FA Cup third-round fixtures this weekend, it’s a moment for the club to assess their dismal performance in the season’s first half.
Despite marginally surpassing Newcastle United and Chelsea in the standings, the Red Devils find themselves languishing in eighth place, trailing by nine points from the coveted top four. Their arch-rivals, Liverpool, have surged 14 points ahead, amplifying the sense of disappointment among Old Trafford faithfuls. Having experienced lackluster exits from both the Champions League and Carabao Cup, the prevailing sentiment suggests that the season might already be a lost cause, with supporters eagerly anticipating a fresh start come summer, especially under the new Sir Jim Ratcliffe regime.
Erik ten Hag’s squad is struggling to find momentum for the remaining season, but a glimmer of hope may reside in the January transfer window. Strengthening key areas is pivotal, especially the forward line, which currently sits among the lowest-scoring teams in the league, with only Burnley and Sheffield United posting fewer goals – an alarming stat, to say the least.
While Alejandro Garnacho has shown sparks of promise with three goals and assists in his last three league games, the young Argentine could benefit from additional support. This explains the club’s apparent interest in the sensational Johan Bakayoko from PSV Eindhoven.
Reports from Sport1 journalist Christopher Michel on Boxing Day indicate Manchester United’s keen interest in the talented 20-year-old Belgian winger. Bakayoko’s impressive performances in the Netherlands for the Eredivisie leaders have sparked attention, with a potential transfer fee of €40m (£34m) looming if he moves this month. He might follow in the footsteps of previous PSV alumni like Noni Madueke and Cody Gakpo in making a transition to the Premier League.
Given United’s front line’s significant underperformance in the current season, particularly with Rasmus Hojlund and Anthony Martial managing just one goal each in the league, and the pricey signing Antony failing to contribute a single goal or assist across all competitions, urgency mounts for a suitable replacement, especially on the right flank.
This is where Bakayoko could step in, bringing his left-footed prowess to operate effectively on the right wing, much like he’s been excelling for PSV lately. While concerns might arise regarding a repeat of the Antony situation, where a promising player failed to meet expectations, Bakayoko seems to offer more versatility. He’s been praised as a handful for defenders, exhibiting a direct, dribbling style reminiscent of Luis Diaz, suggesting he could cause chaos in Premier League defenses with his electrifying pace and dynamism, as highlighted by talent scout Jacek Kulig alongside presenter Jack Collins’ observations.