Manchester United will make some important signings this summer, but recent performances have proven that El Hadji Malick Diouf could be a top contender for the most important.
This past weekend saw Manchester United beat Crystal Palace 2-1 at Old Trafford, although the issues were pretty clear to see as Michael Carrick’s team had a big gap on the left flank.
During attacks, Matheus Cunha cut inside, creating congestion in the middle of the pitch as the left side was left vacant, with Luke Shaw sitting back and Noussair Mazraoui not overlapping, leaving United very easy to defend against.
For this reason, left-sided reinforcements are necessary in the summer, at left-back, given Patrick Dorgu is more of a winger now. In an ideal situation, this signing would be West Ham’s El Hadji Malick Diouf.
Malick Diouf competes with Amad.
Photo by Pedro Porru/MB Media/Getty Images
Against Palace, Benjamin Sesko scored a brilliant header thanks to a perfect cross from Bruno Fernandes. The 6ft 5in striker thrives from crosses into the box, and with Diouf as a bombing left-back, Sesko could get plenty of balls on his head.
Diouf is one of the most creative left-backs in the Premier League, creating four big chances and completing 14 crosses successfully this season for a team in the relegation zone with major striker flaws.
The Senegalese full-back is West Ham’s top creator, with five assists. In his first year in England at the age of just 21, he is going to get even better, and Sesko would be the big winner if he joined.
Diouf’s crosses are becoming infamous at the moment, whipped in with such venom and accuracy that a big number nine would feast.
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Would you be happy with Man United signing Malick Diouf?
As a Luke Shaw successor, there aren't many better options right now!
Malick Diouf
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His athleticism and speed are a big upgrade on Luke Shaw
One big issue with Shaw being the starting left-back for United right now is that he simply doesn’t have the capabilities to get up and down the touchline all game.
Diouf has no such issues, being really quick and also being able to run for an entire game, which would benefit United with an extra player in attack, who can then get back without fear of being caught out.
Additionally, Diouf’s physicality makes him dominant defensively, winning a massive proportion of his duels, while he can do all the hard work needed.
Diouf is also a threat from set-pieces with his height, and jumping adds another positive to potentially signing the AFCON champion.
Diouf could be available at a cut price with West Ham’s relegation
On the pitch, Diouf would be worth signing regardless of the fee given his age, potential and current quality. But given the precarious situation West Ham find themselves in, he could be available on the cheap.
Right now, West Ham look bound for relegation and if this is the case, they will need to raise money and cut costs, so sales will be made and Diouf will be getting a big move.
United could also look at Matheus Fernandes, with possible double swoop at West Ham making a lot of sense for the Red Devils.
Diouf cost £19m last summer, and realistically, £30m would probably be the maximum for this upcoming summer.
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