Why Manchester United should refrain from signing Ricardo Pereira
In his column for The Times, former Liverpool midfielder and manager Graeme Souness has advised Manchester United to make a move for Leicester City’s Ricardo Pereira.
The 26-year-old Portuguese joined the Foxes from FC Porto in 2018 and has been a huge hit at the King Power Stadium. The defender has scored 3 goals and 2 assists for the Foxes in the Premier League this season and has been one of the most impressive right-backs in the league.
Making a massive 4.3 tackles per match, the Portuguese international has showed that he can be reliable at the back as well. With his impressive performances, Souness has urged Manchester United to make a move for the Portuguese.
Should Manchester United sign Pereira?
Manchester United have been one of the most organized defensive units this season. More so in the second half of the campaign. Only Liverpool and Leicester City have conceded fewer goals than the Red Devils in the Premier League this term
Manchester United currently have Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Diogo Dalot as options for the right-back slot. Wan-Bissaka, 22, has proven to be a great addition since joining from Crystal Palace last summer. The Englishman has a lot of time ahead of him and needs to be starting regularly in order to continue developing.
Dalot, 21, has had injury problems since joining United in 2018. But the Portuguese youngster has shown potential in his time at the club. And Manchester United must ensure that the two play regularly for them reach their peak at the club. As a result, signing Pereira might prove to be counter-productive for the Red Devils.
In addition, Ethan Laird, a product of the club’s academy, is also an option, having made his debut this season. The likes of Timothy Fosu-Mensah, Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof can all fill in on the right-side of the backline if needed.
At 26, Pereira also needs to be playing week after week. And a move to United to would not allow that. This would not be in the keen interest of the player.
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Verdict
In Wan-Bissaka and Dalot, Manchester United have two promising youngsters who are considered hot prospects in Europe. Hence, they do not need another senior right-back in Ricardo Pereira, as they also have additional players who can fit in as a cover if at all a situation arises. Instead, they must look to strengthen other areas of the pitch.