The January transfer window is a huge period for Reuben Amorim in his spell as Manchester United manager, giving him his first opportunity to make his own impact on the first-team squad.
After being appointed at the end of November, the 39-year-old has been forced to work with the signings made by the previous management team, apparently unable to get what he would like out of the current squad.
Since his arrival, he has won only two Premier League outings, contributing to their lowly position of 13th, with some players simply not up to the demands of his 3-4-2-1 system.
As a result, departures are expected, moving players who simply aren’t at the level required for a side that desperately needs to transform its recent fortunes to revive a loyal campaign.
However, the departures could open the door for fresh blood to arrive at Old Trafford, including one top talent who has already been linked with a move to the North West this month.
According to the French newspaper L’Equipe, Man United made contact with Italian Napoli due to a potential move to sign the Georgian winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia before the end of the window.
There is also strong interest from Ligue 1 side PSG in the 23-year-old, with both sides fighting to secure the services of the winger who is registered five goals in 17 games during 2024/25.
Kvaratskhelia, who is valued £83m as reported at the end of 2024he could move to the Red Devils in a multi-player deal, which could make it possible Marcus Rashford to complete a move in the opposite direction as a result.
The Englishman was strongly associated with distance from his boyhood club, has even held talks with AC Milan, but the emergence of rumors about the Napoli ace could sweeten any potential deal for the striker.
Given the interest from mega-rich PSG, any deal could be expensive, but Amorim would be getting a serious talent that’s up there with some of the best in Europe.
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Why would Kvaratskhelia like Mbappe be a good signing
Kylian Mbappé he has been the leading star in Europe over the past few years, often a threat to countless players during his time at PSG and now Real Madrid.
The French representative has scored 14 times in 26 appearances for the Spanish giants since his summer transfer – which was by far the biggest deal of the window despite moving on a free transfer.
His pace and desire to score have been on display since breaking onto the scene with Monaco in 2017, producing a catalog of superb goals – highlighting his star quality inside the final third.
However, the Napoli ace has very similar traits to Mbappé, with his quick pace and ability to cut inside onto his stronger right foot from the left.
As a result of such performances, Kvaratskhelia is ranked as a similar player to the Real Madrid star during Euro 2024 according to statistics platform FBref, and United now potentially get a 23-year-old prospect with a huge skill set along with bags of potential to improve further.
The Georgian would also provide an upgrade to current United man Rashford, vastly outperforming the striker during the current 2024/25 campaign.
The 23-year-old Napoli striker signed up more combined goals and assists to date, while also managing more shots on target per 90 with more shot creation actions – highlighting his ability inside the final third.
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How Kvaratskhelia compares to Rashford in 2024/25 |
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|---|---|---|
|
Statistics (at 90) |
Kvaratskhelia |
Rashford |
|
Games played |
17 |
15 |
|
Goals and assists |
8 |
5 |
|
Progressive mounts |
5.7 |
1.8 |
|
Progressive additions |
4.4 |
1.9 |
|
Goal kicks |
1.2 |
0.8 |
|
Adding accuracy |
76% |
74% |
|
Actions to create a shot |
4.4 |
2.7 |
|
Successful downloads |
1.5 |
0.8 |
|
Airports won |
44% |
42% |
|
It carries into the last third |
3.8 |
1.7 |
|
Statistics via FBref |
||
Kvaratskhelia likes to run with the ball at his feet, which he showed in his results 5.7 progressive uploads and 1.5 successful downloads per 90 – racking up a staggering total of 3.8 carries into the final third.
A carry is considered progressive if the ball is moved towards the opponent’s goal at least 10 yards from its starting point or carried into the penalty area.
His link is also admirable, completing more of his pass attemptswhile focusing his efforts more in attacking areas, giving United’s current attacking group more opportunities in the final third.
It is unclear how much the Italian side will be asking for their star man, but his quality is evident, potentially becoming a fan favorite for years to come should he move to Old Trafford.
He is undoubtedly a better talent than Rashford, vastly superior to the current academy star, and the Englishman is moving in the opposite direction, potentially a major boost to the Red Devils’ chances of landing Kvaratskhelia.
