Manchester United are reportedly set to monitor Lyon striker Moussa Dembele, who has been identified as a potential target for the summer.
According to a report from Foot Mercato, Manchester United are prepared to send scouts to Groupama Stadium on Thursday to keep an eye on Moussa Dembele. His club Lyon will be in action against FC Porto in the second leg of their Round of 16 tie in the UEFA Europa League.
The report comes just a day after Manchester United’s exit from UEFA Champions League, at the hands of Atletico Madrid. The result is expected to have major implications on the club’s policies in the summer, with Cristiano Ronaldo, in particular, uncertain about prolonging his stay at Old Trafford after being left disappointed by the club’s poor performances.
Paris Saint-Germain have already been in contention to sign Ronaldo in the summer, whereas both Edinson Cavani and Jesse Lingard are set to exit Old Trafford after the end of the season. Anthony Martial is facing an uncertain future as well, while Mason Greenwood has been suspended.
It could lead to a major overhaul in the attacking unit, with Manchester United considering Moussa Dembele as a potential leader of the frontline next term.
The Frenchman might not be one of the flashiest players on the pitch, but he is a hard worker, which might exactly be what the club need amid reports of discontent in the dressing room over Ralf Rangnick’s methods.
Dembele has an exemplary scoring record in Ligue 1 to boot, having netted 42 goals in just 96 top-flight appearances in France. Ten of his goals have come in the ongoing campaign, helping Lyon get through a tough season. He is the club’s top-scorer this term and has impressed even though Les Gones are dawdling in a mid-table position in Ligue 1.
Dembele has played for Fulham during the early stages of his career, even making two appearances in the Premier League before moving on to Celtic. Since then, he has become a consistent goalscorer and has seemingly put a disastrous half-a-season on loan in La Liga last term behind him. He appears to be relishing the opportunity of being the first-choice starter for Lyon and could be ready to take the next step.
Manchester United could offer him a similar role next season – an exciting opportunity to partner up with Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho. But it remains to be seen whether the Red Devils follow through with their interest, as there might be doubts over the Frenchman’s credentials and whether or not he can replicate his performances in the Premier League.
Manchester United have no shortage of alternatives either and are even eyeing a shocking move for Harry Kane next summer. So it will be interesting to see how the Premier League giants go about their business, as far as reshaping their attacking unit is concerned.
