Manchester United keeping tabs on Wissam Ben Yedder

Manchester United are interested in AS Monaco striker Wissam Ben Yedder this summer.

According to Media Foot Marseille, Wissam Ben Yedder is facing an uncertain future at the club. The AS Monaco forward has no shortage of suitors in the ongoing summer transfer window and a potential move away from France could be on the horizon, with many English clubs interested in his services.

Manchester United are among the clubs keeping close tabs on his situation at Monaco. The Red Devils have been scouting the forward for a long time and could make an attempt to secure his services, although they are set to face stiff competition from league rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Formerly of Sevilla, Wissam Ben Yedder is regarded as one of the best goalscorers in France. With 73 goals in just 124 appearances for Monaco, he has emerged as one of the favourites to be selected for the French team in the upcoming FIFA World Cup. The forward has a stellar record in Spain as well, netting 70 goals in 137 matches for Sevilla.

Standing at just 1.70m, the 31-year-old might not be the tallest centre-forwards going around, but he can certainly make up for it with his tactical nous and ability to get into good scoring positions. Such qualities have made him an invaluable asset to the Monaco attack in recent years, though it appears his spell at the Principality club could soon come to an end.

Manchester United’s interest in Ben Yedder comes amidst speculations over the future of Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese international has reportedly handed in a transfer request at Old Trafford, as he is unhappy with the club’s lack of participation in the UEFA Champions League and their lack of ambition in the transfer market so far.

Although Manchester United are certainly not targeting Ben Yedder as a direct replacement for Ronaldo, the Frenchman’s vast experience at the highest level of football, coupled with his proven goalscoring pedigree could make him an excellent replacement for someone like Edinson Cavani.

The Uruguayan international had left Old Trafford in the summer after seeing out his contract. His departure has left Manchester United devoid of a reliable backup for Ronaldo in the goalscoring unit. The situation could get even worse if Ronaldo leaves the club, especially amid interest from top clubs including Napoli.

While he might not be a long-term solution, Ben Yedder can be an effective signing for Manchester United to add depth and goalscoring nous to their roster which is thin on options in the No. 9 role.