Manchester United will reportedly fight it out with Aston Villa for the services of 31-year-old Moroccan World Cup hero Yassine Bounou.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Manchester United are very keen on Sevilla shot-stopper Yassine Bounou. The 31-year-old has also triggered the interest of Aston Villa manager Unai Emery.
Yassine Bounou’s rise to fame was the talk of the Round of 16 as Morocco defied the odds to provide Spain with a taste of their own medicine. Neither team managed to break the deadlock in regulation time, and it was Bono who appeared to be the saviour of the Atlas Lions, who will now face Portugal in the quarter-final.
Despite his heroics at the World Cup, Bono is not new to this limelight as the 31-year-old has been one of the silent achievers in La Liga. He was also conferred the best goalkeeper honour last season, beating Thibaut Courtois.
Manchester United have been hunting a new goalkeeper as Erik ten Hag is not fully convinced about David de Gea’s ability to fulfil his demand. The 32-year-old’s ball-playing skills have been put under severe test this season, and he has done enough to douse the fire for the time being.
But the Manchester management knows they would need someone good with the feet. And Bono as he is fondly called, has shown signs of complementing the manager’s vision. The Red Devils have also shown interest in other goalkeepers, like Yann Sommer.
However, Manchester United will be facing a strong opponent in Aston Villa as Unai Emery remains a fan of the Moroccan international. Emery’s estranged relationship with Emiliano Martinez might pose a threat to the Argentine’s long time stay at the club. And Bono might be a suitable fit for the Villans.
On the back of a successful stint at the World Cup, the 31-year-old has seen his stock soar, and it could be a huge bet for Villa to place their belief in the player. Sevilla won’t let their preferred choice so easily and could be willing to part ways should there be a hefty compensation.
Manchester United definitely will have the edge if they decide to pursue the keeper as David de Gea’s imminent future is hovering under clouds as it stands.
