Manchester United's search for a new right-wing star goes on, with INEOS wanting to solve their goalscoring problems from last season - and with that in mind, they must consider going all out to land a target that they've already reportedly bid for and stray away from any potential deal to sign Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford.
United only scored more goals than Everton and the relegated trio last season, in what was a paltry display in terms of their Premier League campaign. The club know that goals need to be more commonplace, and as a result, they should pursue a deal for La Liga star Raphinha, who has set the world alight with some of his displays this season.
Man Utd Should go All Out for Raphinha over Bryan Mbeumo
The Red Devils would do well to tempt the Brazilian but it would be worth every penny
Raphinha
A report by Fichajes last week stated that United had put a €150 (£128million) offer on the table for Raphinha, who had been one of the most decisive players of the season - and it took Barcelona by surprise, as they weren't expecting such a large offer for the Brazilian.
Raphinha's La Liga statistics - Barcelona squad ranking
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United are looking to make a splash in the market, and with Ruben Amorim being the man in the dugout to lead their latest project, he's looking to restructure their attack.
Of course, the Red Devils have already signed Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers, and with reports from various sources in England stating that the Red Devils have made an initial offer for Mbeumo, it's evident that Amorim is keen on fixing the goalscoring problem that United had last season.
Mbeumo wouldn't be a bad signing at all. 20 Premier League goals is an outstanding tally for any player, not least one for a mid-table team who didn't qualify for Europe, and signing a top-flight proven player at the peak of his powers shouldn't be a move to be snubbed at.
But Raphinha has had the best season of his career, registering 34 goals and 25 assists in just 57 appearances for the Blaugrana in all competitions under Hansi Flick as they beat Real Madrid to the title. That level of talent should be bought at any price possible, which is perhaps United's thinking given their bid last season.
Raphinha also has Premier League pedigree, for United's northern rivals Leeds United. 17 goals and 12 assists for a side that were battling relegation for half of his time in the top-flight is an outstanding tally, and having furthered his credentials over the past three years in La Liga, United would again be signing a player in his pomp, where he's also been touted for the Ballon d'Or.
It would take almost double the Mbeumo fee to land Raphinha, with the Cameroonian being billed at around £65million - but the benefits reaped would be worth it if United could make wiggle room in their transfer budget to land the Brazil star.
Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, whilst all promising young players, haven't had outstanding seasons at Old Trafford and United cannot afford to put all of their eggs in one basket to bank on their development to lead them out of the mire. If they can sell the duo to afford Raphinha, who would link up with Amad Diallo, Bruno Fernandes and Cunha in the final third, it could well be the best move possible.
Statistics courtesy of WhoScored. Correct as of 22-06-25.
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