Why signing Federico Chiesa would offer Manchester United plenty of options up front
According to French outlet Le 10 Sport (h/t The Sun), Manchester United have now joined the race to land Fiorentina forward Federico Chiesa.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s United is among several other clubs such as PSG, Juventus and Inter Milan, who are interested in the young attacker. Despite Fiorentina’s poor display in the league this season, Chiesa has earned rave reviews for his consistent show that has made him a regular in the side.
The 22-year-old Italian is his side’s top-scorer in the league with 6 goals from 23 games. With 5 assists to his name, the young Chiesa is also the Italian outfit’s second-highest assist provider behind teammate Dalbert, who has six to his name.
A traditional winger, Chiesa prefers to play on the right side of the pitch, however, he is comfortable playing anywhere in the attack that has seen him rack up so many goals.
Having joined the club way back in 2007, Chiesa rose through the academy ranks and made his senior debut in 2016. Since then, he has appeared in 123 matches, scoring 21 goals and assisting 18 times, making him an integral part of the squad.
Meanwhile, United have been entirely reliant on newcomer Daniel James in the right-wing this season. The 21-year-old has been pretty decent in his maiden season for the Red Devils and is currently his side’s highest assist-giver with six assists to his name.
However, he has received some criticism for his inability to finish that has seen him score just three times in the league this season. Having said that, Chiesa’s arrival would give him good competition for the starting place in the squad if at all a deal happens.
United have two more wingers in 20-year-old Tahith Chong and Jesse Lingard. The former is still young and lacks experience at the highest level, while the latter has fallen out of favour and is going through one of the worst phases in his career.
Chiesa’s ability to play anywhere in the attack could thus prove to be handful for a United side that has been inconsistent in front of goal this season. They have managed just 44 goals so far this season that has seen them slip to fifth place in the league standings.
Once a powerhouse in English football, United have become a shadow of their former self due to their inconsistency in recent days. Hence, roping in a consistent performer such as Chiesa would once again help them become a dominant force in the English top-flight.
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Verdict
With United currently having one established winger in James, signing Chiesa would offer Solskjaer more options to choose from. Moreover, the Italian is still young and could develop further in the coming days.
Hence, it would do United a world of good if they sign the £54million-rated Chiesa if they wish to climb the points table next season.
