Manchester United are likely to compete with West Ham United and Manchester City for the acquisition of Sevilla star Youssef En-Nesyri, according to the Spanish daily Fichajes (h/t Manchester Evening News).
The 24-year-old is most often used as a centre-forward, although he can also play anywhere in the frontline. En-Nesyri joined Sevilla from Leganes in 2020, and in just 87 games in all competitions, he has scored 33 goals.
Man United might use a new striker ahead of the 2022/23 season, with Edinson Cavani's contract ending next summer and Anthony Martial unable to deliver consistently. Mason Greenwood can't be expected to lead the line for an entire season on numerous fronts, and Cristiano Ronaldo isn't getting any younger. While Marcus Rashford can play up front as well, the English international began his career on the left wing under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. These combined considerations suggest that the club needs to bring in a dynamic frontman capable of leading the line.
En-Nesyri, who is quietly but surely making a reputation for himself in La Liga, could be that man. The Moroccan international is a physically imposing presence inside the box, as well as a talented player with the ball at his feet.
This ability to play as a target man can also be useful if United is forced to play long balls against opponents who use the low block. En-Nesyri is also a terrific finisher, which can be useful when it comes to converting chances in the final third. As things stand, the biggest clubs in Europe are expected to compete for Erling Haaland. When his release clause activates in next summer, the Norwegian will be the hottest striker on the market.
While seeing him play at Old Trafford would be a dream come true, the financial requirements may be impossible to achieve. En-Nesyri is a cost-effective solution that will suit the Red Devils' requirements.
If Man United is serious about landing the Moroccan, they will have to beat off competition from West Ham and Manchester City. The Hammers had a £29 million deal for him rejected earlier this summer, but they have not given up hope. Meanwhile, Man City failed to sign Harry Kane earlier this year after losing Sergio Aguero. Pep Guardiola may use another number nine in his lineup, and En-Nesyri is an intriguing prospect. The Red Devils will have to beat out the competition for the player. While En-Nesyri is a less expensive option than Haaland, his stats pale in comparison to the Norwegian. He scores 0.38 goals a game for Sevilla, compared to Borussia Dortmund's ridiculous striking rate of over one goal every game. United will eventually get what they pay for.
When compared to Haaland, the 24-year-strike old's rate may appear unprofessional. It is, however, comparable to Cavani's 0.38 goals per game for Man United and superior than Martial's fairly modest 0.29 goals per game for the club. It's not that goals justify a player's worth on their own, but a striker who can find the back of the net on a regular basis is a plus for any team to have him.
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