Manchester United are undoubtedly one of the most disappointing sides in the Premier League during the 2024/25 season, currently ranked 13th after the first 20 games of the campaign.
Reuben Amorimhe struggled with that on both ends of the field, conceding 28 times in the processwho often struggle with stoppages – as we saw against Arsenal, with the hosts scoring from corners in both attempts.
As for the front line, they are managed to score only 23 goalsand Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee only scored five league goals between them until today.
The latter was substituted after just half an hour in the defeat by Newcastle at Old Trafford at the end of December – highlighting the lack of impact he has made since his prized summer move.
The Dutchman could be set for an early exit from Manchester in the coming weeks, but another player looks ever closer to ending his long association with his boyhood side.
The future of Man Utd Marcus Rashford
Attacker Marcus Rashford for the first time it looked like he would be a key player under the new management team, starting in both of the first two Premier League games of the 39-year-old’s reign.
27 year old scored three times in those two away games against Ipswich Town and Everton, but has since struggled for first-team minutes, leading to speculation over his long-term future at Old Trafford.
His representatives spoke face-to-face with the Serie A team AC Milan about a potential move at the San Siro, and Juventus and Borussia Dortmund are also monitoring his current situation.
West Ham United have too allegedly appeared as candidates get an academy graduate after boss Graham Potter was appointed on Thursday following the sacking of Julen Lopetegui.
It remains unclear at this stage whether any interim move will include a potential purchase option, which could bring a disappointing end to his 20-year career as a United player.
However, if he does leave this month, many replacements have already been touted, including one that could prove to be a major upgrade for the Englishman.
A target who could be a huge upgrade on Rashford for Man United
Despite the transfer window being just over a week away, rumors have already swirled with a number of players already said to be of interest to new boss Amorim.
One name thrown in the hat earlier this week was PSG striker Kang-in Lee, who could leave the Ligue 1 side in search of more first-team minutes.
A Spanish newspaper claims that he he could be allowed to leave for €40m (£33m) this window, with Kang-in Lee potentially looking to make a move and start a new challenge.
The 23-year-old South Korea international moved to the French giants in July 2023 from Spanish side Mallorca, but has often been restricted to substitute appearances following his move.
He just started nine trips to Ligue 1 to date in 2024/25, but still scored six goals and two assists – which leads to the attacker’s FBref ranking as a similar player superstars of Real Madrid Vinicius Juniorwho was second in the Ballon d’Or behind Rodrigo for 2024,
The two possess very similar traits with excellent ball carrying ability, plus their ability to beat the opposition and cut to their stronger foot, although Kang-in Lee does it from the opposite flank.
If the former Valencia youngster could replicate those qualities in Manchester, he would be a real coup, undoubtedly providing a huge upgrade on Rashford and allowing the South Korean to become Amorim’s version of the Brazilian sensation.
When comparing their numbers from the current season on FBref, the PSG star has vastly outperformed the homegrown talent – with a fee touted for his services as an absolute bargain.
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How Kang-in Lee compares to Rashford in the 2024/25 season |
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|---|---|---|
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Statistics (at 90) |
Kang-in Lee |
Rashford |
|
Games played |
16 |
15 |
|
Goals and assists |
8 |
5 |
|
Progressive mounts |
3.4 |
1.8 |
|
Progressive additions |
7.7 |
1.9 |
|
Goal kicks |
1.1 |
0.8 |
|
Adding accuracy |
87% |
74% |
|
Actions to create a shot |
5.9 |
2.7 |
|
Download success |
54% |
23% |
|
Statistics via FBref |
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The South Korean, who was previously called “a future legend” of talent hunter Jacek Kulig, produced more combined goals and assists, but also completed over four times as many progressive passes per 90 – showing his creative skills, something United have lacked of late.
A pass is considered progressive if the distance between the starting point and the next touch is at least 10 meters closer to the opponent’s goal or any completed pass into the penalty area.
He also led more actions to create the shot, putting more effort into the goal and completing multiple downloads – dominates Rashford in all areas for an attacking player in Amorim’s current 3-4-2-1 system.
To see a homegrown talent go in such a manner is undoubtedly frustrating for the fan base, especially considering the special moments he provided them in many dark days on the pitch.
However, Kang-in Lee would prove to be an excellent replacement if the Englishman leaves in January, fitting perfectly into one of the attacking roles behind the striker – potentially holding the key to ending the Red Devils’ current poor form in attacking areas.
