Manchester United haven’t been overly busy during this current transfer window.

Boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has only managed to bring in talented fullback Aaron Wan-Bissaka from Crystal Palace and young Welsh winger Daniel James so far.

Many would’ve expected more new faces by now, especially given United’s poor form last season.

Reports recently surfaced suggesting that the Red Devils were interested in signing Lille winger Nicolas Pepe. Talksport believe that discussions between the two clubs have advanced when discussing a possible transfer involving the Ivorian international.

Other reports suggest that Man United aren’t as interested as some others in the media believe.

For me, I would suggest that Solskjaer should definitely target that winger, especially if they sell Romelu Lukaku during this summer window.

Why?

Last season, United struggled to get a consistent performer to play out on the right wing. They tried a lot of talent in that role but no one could make that position their own.

Pepe was one of the best right wingers, if not the best, in Europe last term. His wonderful displays helped Lille to a second place finish in Ligue 1. The wide player contributed big time with his twenty-two league goals and his eleven assists.

Man United could be doing with a player starting on the right that’s able to score and set-up others regularly.

That last person with those sort of stats for Lille was one Eden Hazard.

Now the two are very different players. Nicolas isn’t as rounded nor is he at Hazard’s current level but he’s raw and is extremely fast. He’s probably more direct and that could see him becoming even better in front of goal.

Pepe isn’t a traditional winger, in that he won’t stay out and hug the touchline. He loves bursting forward and moving centrally with that ball at his feet, coming in off the right. That could work wonders at Old Trafford if Ole continues to prefer Marcus Rashford playing as his main striker. As Pepe could link up well with the Englishman and also Rashford has it in him to move into the right at times, when Nicolas moves into central positions, which will confuse a lot of defensive opponents.

Plus under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, I believe Man United will be more focused on pace and being effective during counter attacks rather than going for target-men and route one football. This means you probably want wingers that can help out with goals and slick assists rather can crossers of the ball.

Now would the deal be an easy one to get done?

Lille seem resigned to losing the player and probably need to sell him to fund changes they need to make to their squad as they prepare for the Champions League.

Les Dogues manager Christophe Galtier said this towards the end of the last campaign (Via Sport):

“It’s difficult to keep these type of players in our league,”

“When the biggest clubs in Europe call you, it’s really complicated.”

“If Nicolas keeps going like this and improves his statistics by the end of the season, he will be on the shortlist of all of Europe’s big clubs.” 

“The player’s desire is also important. I am sure that, if the moment comes, everything will be very transparent. We will all try to find the best solution possible.” 

So it looks like Lille will definitely do business if the right offer comes to the table.

Now will the player want to join Manchester United?

That’s a big question.

If he were to join United he’d be swapping Champions League football for Europa League football. That’s a big decision for any player these days.

But for me, I think Nicolas Pepe would make the move. United are still a huge world-class, elite calibre club. Plus there’s the cash, and he’ll make a lot more with the Premier League giants.

It remains to be seen whether or not Manchester United will want to splash out around £70m for the twenty-four year old.

I think it would end up being money well spent and be a transfer that looks back at better times for United when they would sign players who are just on the brink of become superstars!

Posted on July 25th, 2019 by scott
Filed under: Article