MANCHESTER UNITED are in line for a busy summer, not least with Kylian Mbappe now reportedly available.
The Red Devils were placed on red alert after the Frenchman revealed he would not be extending his Paris Saint-Germain stay beyond 2024.
Mbappe, 24, sent formal communication of his decision to the club via a letter. He later came out with a statement confirming his intention to leave and revealing he told the club about his move LAST YEAR.
His statement to AFP read: “I have NEVER discussed any contract renewal with PSG. The board has been informed since July 15th, 2022 of my decision not to extend beyond 2024 — and the letter sent was only meant to confirm what I already told them.”
Despite Mbappe insisting he will stay in Paris next season in a statement on his Twitter page, speculation has persisted that he could leave. Man Utd have been earmarked as one possible destination for him, and joining means he can form a frightening partnership with 30-goal ace Marcus Rashford.
Erik ten Hag has repeatedly begged club chiefs to get him the players he needs to mount a genuine title challenge. Signing a superstar like Mbappe would be the cherry on the cake alongside a new midfielder, central defender and goalkeeper to transform the team’s spine.
In terms of how they may line up, Ten Hag has typically looked to line up his Utd side’s with two progressive ball players flanking Casemiro in midfield.
Amid speculation on David de Gea’s future – with his contract expiring later this month – United have been linked with a number of goalkeepers. These links have included Porto’s Diogo Costa and Everton’s Jordan Pickford, who both offer a better passing range than the Spaniard.
Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka has shared the right-back slot throughout the season, while Luke Shaw has been the first choice left-back when the rest of the defence has been fully fit. Napoli star Kim Min-jae has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford, with the South Korean potentially moving into the XI to partner Lisandro Martinez in place of Raphael Varane.
Reports have also suggested Mason Mount is in line for a transfer to United, which could suggest rotation with Christian Eriksen alongside Bruno Fernandes. In the attack United are quite fluid, and introducing Mbappe – a star who can play anywhere across the front three – would add an extra level of dynamism.
One line up may see the World Cup star line up through the middle, flanked by Rashford and another of United’s wing contingent such as Jadon Sancho or Antony. Alternatively, Mbappe’s explosive pace could be used down the flank while Rashford is deployed down the middle, like he has been at times this season.
Another option could be to simply use them as a pair, potentially giving United a throwback to deadly strike partnerships of old.
