Why Manchester United should avoid signing Rabbi Matondo
According to a report from Manchester Evening News, Manchester United are eyeing FC Schalke youngster Rabbi Matondo as a potential alternative should they be priced out of a move for primary target Jadon Sancho this summer.
The Liverpool-born Matondo came through the youth ranks at Cardiff City before he joined the Manchester City youth setup in 2016. The youngster impressed at the youth level and for the reserve team for the Cityzens. But the Welshman left in January last year in search of first-team football.
Having joined Schalke, the winger has made 21 appearances so far in Germany, bagging just a solitary goal so far.
Manchester United, meanwhile, have made a strong recovery after a dodgy start to the 2019/20 campaign. The Red Devils are currently 5th in the Premier League table, while still in the hunt for the FA Cup and the UEFA Europa League as well.
Prior to the season getting suspended, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side were on an eleven-game unbeaten run across all competitions.
Despite having made progress under the Norwegian, the 20-time English champions are still some level below Liverpool and Manchester City. And the squad needs further strengthening heading into next season in order to take a step closer to challenge their rivals.
Manchester United’s right-wing problem
The right-wing has been a major problem for the Red Devils for a number of years now. In recent seasons, the likes of Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard have been used on the right flank to mixed success. United addressed the problem to a certain extent by signing Daniel James in the summer.
But the Welshman has looked more comfortable playing from the left side. Furthermore, Solskjaer’s side is lacking depth in the wide areas. Apart from James and academy product Tahith Chong, there are no other out-and-out wingers in the ranks. That is something Manchester United should address this summer.
This had led to their interest in Borussia Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho. But if they get priced out of a move for the Englishman, they are eyeing Rabbi Matondo as an alternative (h/t MEN). However, a move for the Schalke youngster would be ill-advised for Manchester United.
Sancho is an established superstar in domestic and continental competitions, while also establishing himself as a regular in the England national team.
Matondo, on the other hand, is not even a regular for the Schalke side in the Bundesliga. The 19-year-old has made just 12 appearances in the German top-flight this season, contributing with just one goal.
Given his lack of experience and proven pedigree at the top level, the 19-year-old would not be the most suitable alternative for Sancho, who is a bonafide star in European football.
Read More
- Why Manchester United must not sign Odion Ighalo permanently
- Why Manchester United should make an attempt to land Mohammed Salisu
- Opinion: Why Manchester United should ward off their interest in Douglas Costa
Verdict
Manchester United need a new right-winger to improve the overall quality of their squad. However, Rabbi Matondo, while being talented, is far too inexperienced and unproven to make an immediate impact at the club.
Hence, if the Red Devils are unable to sign Sancho, they should refrain from going after the Schalke winger.