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Manchester United is reportedly setting their sights on signing two players described as a “perfectionist” and a “magnificent player,” following recent underwhelming performances.
The club’s latest European outing saw them suffer a disappointing loss to FC Copenhagen in the Champions League on Wednesday, despite an initial lead thanks to Rasmus Hojlund’s early brace. However, the tide turned after Marcus Rashford was sent off with a red card.
With the team’s form dipping in the Premier League as well—suffering five losses out of 11—and an early exit from the EFL Cup, it’s clear the team is exploring options to strengthen the squad. This comes as Sir Jim Ratcliffe is poised to have a say in the club’s sporting decisions upon completing his investment for a 25% stake in the club. It’s believed that a potential double signing from AS Monaco is being considered.
According to a report from 90min, the club is interested in signing AS Monaco duo Vanderson and Youssouf Fofana. With Ten Hag aiming to enhance the squad’s dynamics, the pursuit of the right-back Vanderson, who has made waves in Europe and whom Phillipe Clement, his former coach at Monaco, has called a “perfectionist,” is particularly telling.
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Clement has previously praised Vanderson’s swift adjustment and ambitious nature, stating, “He had an exceptional adaptation here [last season]. We have already spoken about that… Vanderson is very ambitious and a huge perfectionist.”
Clement also expressed concern about Vanderson’s intense dedication: “Every day he wants to be better than the last… We need to manage that more for him. If I left him to it, he would train for 18 hours a day. He is like that.”
In the midfield, United’s attention is drawn to Fofana, who has garnered attention from other Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, Liverpool, and Newcastle United. Jacek Kulig, a renowned football scout, has praised Fofana as a “magnificent player,” and with his valuation at a career peak, he’s a prime candidate for United’s midfield reinforcements.
As Ten Hag seeks to reinforce the squad’s right-back and midfield options, acquiring Vanderson and Fofana could be significant moves, potentially marking Ratcliffe’s first major influence on the club’s sporting direction.
