Manchester United are reportedly on the verge of luring Fabinho to Old Trafford after being a long-time target for Jose Mourinho
According to a report by The Sun, Manchester United have edged past competition to sign Fabinho from AS Monaco after targeting the 23-year-old for a long period of time. Jose Mourinho has been keen on signing the midfielder and he may get his wish granted soon.
Fabinho’s wife Rebeca Tavares is reported to have dropped a hint on social media regarding the deal by liking an Instagram post by a United fan asking Fabinho to join the Red Devils this summer. Fabinho was also linked with a move to Manchester City, but it looks like Mourinho will emerge as the victor.
The Brazilian midfielder has been one of the key elements in Monaco’s title-winning season and has proven to be versatile with his ability to play as a right-back and also a defensive midfielder.
The youngster did have a stint with Mourinho earlier as well at Real Madrid. He has truly come a long way since and blossomed at the French club by learning to balance his attacking instincts with his basic defensive duties with relative ease.
Fabinho was in full form against Manchester City back in March as he proudly displayed his talents at both ends of the pitch during the Champions League. It was because of his goal that Monaco surged ahead of their opponents in the second leg.
In fact, Monaco were successful last season largely due to youngsters like Fabinho, Kylian Mbappe and Benjamin Mendy. Fabinho’s teammate Mbappe was also linked with United once, but now Arsenal seem to be on the verge of signing the talented striker.
If the deal does go through, players like Paul Pogba and Ander Herrera can be relieved of some pressure if another all-action midfielder joins the team and Fabinho is ideal in that sense. Also, after the departure of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Mourinho will need to make some changes and perhaps deploy Fabinho as an attacking midfielder.
They have completed a deal for Victor Lindelof from Benfica and as things stand, it seems like Fabinho will be next for United.
Meanwhile, Manchester City will have to find a replacement since Pep Guardiola needs more options on the right flank next season as they get ready to face Champions League and Premier League commitments.
Pablo Zabaleta is expected to leave this summer and Fabinho can be a good replacement as far as Guardiola’s first choice right-back is concerned. Also, City have been linked with Kyle Walker from Tottenham Hotspur, but Fabinho is likely to be a better alternative since he is more versatile.
