Manchester United are looking at options for wide players, and a loan move for Lucas Moura would represent a good deal for the English giants
According to The Sun, Manchester United are looking to bring Lucas Moura from PSG to bolster their squad in the second half of the season. The Brazilian winger has been on the radar of several other clubs, but Manchester United seem to have opened talks with PSG regarding a loan move in January which could be turned permanent the following summer.
Lucas Moura, signed from Sau Paulo for 38 million, scored 19 goals across last season. His form from last season has failed to convince PSG manager Unai Emery to stick with him for this term, as Moura is yet to start a league game this term.
The arrivals of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe from Barcelona and Monaco have ensured Lucas Moura remains unwanted at the Paris club. Manchester United are hoping to take advantage of his situation and bring him to Old Trafford.
The winger gathered interest from many big clubs across Europe including Liverpool, Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid last summer. Although eventually, Lucas Moura decided to stay and fight for his place in this PSG team.
Six months on, the fight has proved fruitless and Moura is stuck either on the bench or completely out of the matchday squad. With only five Ligue 1 appearances this season, Moura has managed a goal and an assist, while playing none of his side’s Champions League group stage matches.
At this point in his career, there is a need to play more and regular appearances would also boost his chances and a move to Manchester United would be his chance to do so.
Manchester United’s interest in the PSG winger is nothing new, as Sir Alex Ferguson was keen on the player before refusing to pay the 38 million demanded by Sau Paulo and his agent. Jose Mourinho was on the lookout for a winger last summer, and after a fruitless pursuit of Ivan Perisic, he had turned his attention to Lucas Moura and was keen to bring the Brazilian to Old Trafford.
On top of the initial loan deal, PSG are likely to demand a fee of 40 million when the move is made permanent. PSG need to balance books with the Financial Fair Play regulations and from a financial standpoint, the money for Lucas Moura would fund the 160 million to be paid to Monaco for Kylian Mbappe in the summer.
Given United’s recent slump in form, resulting in handing a massive lead to Manchester City in the Premier League title race, Jose Mourinho would want to ensure at least a 2nd place finish and a good run in the Champions League.
A swoop for Moura would represent a good deal as he could add quality to this Manchester United squad and the fact that Mourinho is looking to offload Henrikh Mkhitaryan from his books.
