Manchester United are reportedly interested in Everton star Abdoulaye Doucoure whose intelligence could help anchor their midfield.
According to Fichajes, Premier League giants Manchester United are interested in Everton’s dynamic French midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure.
The 28-year-old is one of the best central midfielders in the league and has proven to be the life-bringer to Rafael Benitez’s Toffees midfield. He has scored two goals and made assists in just eight Premier League games this season. A key player for Everton, they currently hold a win rate of 51 per cent when Doucoure is playing. It drops to an abysmal 22 per cent with him unavailable.
Given what he brings to the table, it is understandable why United are after him. The Red Devils have several options available for them in midfield. However, they lack a true central midfielder who can help anchor their formation. Scott McTominay and Fred are industrious players but lack the game intelligence or out of the box thinking to force the issue.
Doucoure isn’t just a physical presence who can help dominate opposition midfielders but a force to be reckoned with in the air. His signing could help United win more balls in the air and retain possession in the middle of the park. The 28-year-old is also a good passer and is capable of making decisive passes forward. This will add a new dimension to a Red Devils attacking play, helping get the best of the frontline that has some dominant names.
United have lacked a box to box midfielder capable of troubling the opposition. Bruno Fernandes, for all his quality, is not that man. Adding Doucoure to the mix will also aid the talented Portuguese international with another runner to work with.
He will cost United between €25-30 million, a fair price for a proven player in the top flight. Doucoure has also attracted attention from Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur. His chances to move to the former are highly unlikely, while the latter is not a step up from Goodison Park.
United can help the Frenchman take the next step in his career. However, whether he can meet expectations remains to be seen. While it may be impressive to stand out at a club such as Everton, donning the red jersey comes with its own expectations. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side lack the dynamism in midfield and lacks the player who can handle the fight in midfield.
It was on show earlier today in their 5-0 loss to Liverpool. Paul Pogba, who was brought on to steady the ship, lost his head and could be on his way out with his contract winding down. Adding a midfielder next summer could prove to be a priority rather than a luxury. Whether that will be Doucoure remains to be seen.
