Why Islam Slimani to Manchester United would be a good signing
According to Daily Mail, Manchester United are eager to bring in Leicester City striker Islam Slimani, who is currently plying his trade with Monaco in the French Ligue 1.
The report also adds that Slimani has asked to end his loan at Monaco after United made a shock enquiry for him. And this deal would cost them £4m.
Meanwhile, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have made a bad start to the new year. They have won just three of the eight games played this month but have managed to stay 5th in the league table, equal on points with Tottenham Hotspur and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The back-to-back losses against Liverpool and Burnley have highlighted the need for a striker as they failed to score in both games. Marcus Rashford’s injury has only made it worse for the manager.
Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood are the only two centre-forwards available at the Norwegian’s disposal. Though the Frenchman has scored 8 league goals this term, he hasn’t been consistent enough.
Greenwood is just 18 and it would be risky to depend on him to lead the line for the rest of the season. He has been excellent whenever given a chance, however, scoring 12 goals in all competitions while providing 4 assists.
The absence of Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay in the middle of the park has also been a huge loss. However, the manager needs to bring in a replacement for Rashford before the transfer deadline. And to that end, signing Slimani makes sense.
Slimani, 31, was exceptional in Portugal with Sporting CP and moved to Leicester City in the summer of 2016. He scored a staggering 57 goals in 111 appearances for the Portuguese outfit, winning the Portuguese Cup and the Super Cup in 2015 and 2016 respectively.
The 31-year-old has spent a majority of his Foxes’ career out on loan. Prior to joining Monaco, he served loan spells with Newcastle United and Fenerbahce. He has scored 7 goals in 13 Ligue 1 appearances while also providing the same number of assists.
Verdict
Though he is currently out with a muscle injury, the player has done well for the French club. Therefore, Slimani would be a good solution for the Red Devils as far as leading the line in the absence of their top scorer is concerned.
