According to latest reports, Benfica striker Darwin Nunez is being considered a strong possibility as a striker option for Manchester United next season. The Red Devils are seriously interested in signing the Uruguayan striker and are reportedly leading the race to sign him.
The 22-year-old has enjoyed a great 2021/22 season at the Portuguese club, scoring 34 goals from 40 appearances this term alongside 4 assists (stats via transfermarkt). The South American was signed by Spanish second-tier team Almeria, where he managed to score sixteen times and provide three assists in 32 matches before being poached by Benfica in September 2020.
Darwin has been in consistent form for Benfica both in the Primeira Liga and Champions League. In just 84 matches for the Portuguese club, the Uruguayan striker has contributed 48 goals and 16 assists (stats via transfermarkt), helping his side reach the Champions League quarter-finals in the current campaign.
United have a good record of signing players from the Portuguese league with the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Nani, Cristiano Ronaldo and Anderson. Despite Cristiano Ronaldo turning in 24 goals this season, the Red Devils will need a new striker under Erik ten Hag as they prepare for another rebuilding phase.
According to Portuguese transfer journalist, Pedro Almeida, Manchester United are closing in on Benfica sensation Darwin Nunez, having submitted a bid of £67million for the centre-forward.
https://twitter.com/pedrogva6/status/1521438598712725506
Last week, Diario AS (via Sports Illustrated) reported Manchester United are currently in pole position to sign Darwin Nunez. The report stated that Erik ten Hag is a big admirer of the South American striker and has requested the Red Devils to sign the the player.
Meanwhile, another English journalist, Dean Jones, recently stated the Red Devils to be seriously interested in securing the Uruguayan forward’s services. United have outlined the 22-year-old as an ideal candidate for the striker role and are closely monitoring the availability of the player.
🚨🇺🇾 Darwin Núñez is 100% somebody that Manchester United are looking into right now – United are taking his availability very seriously. The club think Núñez might be the guy they need for next season. #MUFC @DeanJonesSoccer ✅
— UtdPlug (@UtdPlug) May 1, 2022
Benfica manager Jorge Jesus has branded the player as “world-class”. At the age of 22, the striker is already sought by several top clubs and is a proper entertainer. Nunez is very good at scoring headed goals and also holds the ball well to bring others into the game as well.
Darwin Nunez is an effective target-man and has a good first touch to deal well with long balls. The forward looks to move away to wide spaces and play quick touches away from defenders while showing an ability to hold up possession. He can also draw the opposition defenders out of position as he does this.
He has that Harry Kane style of using his physical frame to shield the ball. In doing so, he can keep the ball and provide line-breaking passes. Most significantly, he is one dangerous passer of the ball. His key passes are outstanding for a striker and he uses that very well in the game. He drops from his traditional No. 9 position to collect the ball and spray it to players who are free.
As statement signings go this season, Nunez and Antony will definitely be the ones the Old Trafford based club are looking at to revitalise their squad. It is believed that the Manchester United hierarchy is looking at the Uruguay international and has discussed his name internally in multiple board meetings.
For the Red Devils, Edinson Cavani and Jesse Lingard are likely to leave the club next season. Antony Martial’s future seems unresolved and they are looking at swap deals for Harry Kane and Lautaro Martinez. Ronaldo is looking at other options in case the team fall into the Conference League spot next season. Mason Greenwood’s involvement with the club is uncertain. This leaves only two experienced attackers Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho to be a part of the starting eleven.
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Rashford has struggled to make an impact this season after coming back from injury. Nunez would be a great addition but a stumbling block could be that he wants to play Champions League football. With Champions League football unlikely for Ten Hag’s side next season, Nunez would be less convinced by the project, especially with interest from the likes of Atletico Madrid and Arsenal.
The Gunners beat West Ham United to take them eight points above sixth-placed United having played a game less. This has put Arsenal in pole position for top-four. This Darwin Nunez transfer, if Manchester United can pull it off, could be the quick signing that solves a significant problem.
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