INEOS targets West Ham’s breakout star El Hadji Malick Diouf to solve United’s left-back woes, leveraging a potential relegation fire sale to secure a statistically superior crossing threat.
Manchester United and full-backs, especially left-sided ones, have been an interesting topic of discussion over the last few years.
The club have struggled to find the quality in these positions compared to others, with Luke Shaw and Patrick Dorgu being good servants to the Red Devils but not kicking on like other full-backs in the Premier League.
Since Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS has came into power they way they have for Man United there has been a significant shift in their transfer approach with the club eyeing up Premier League proven player such as; Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbuemo and being interested in Carlos Baleba and Elliot Anderson.
United, reportedly, have been looking at clubs in the relegation battle this season, with Matheus Fernandes and Micky Van de Ven linked to Old Trafford for the upcoming season.
United see Diouf as ideal Shaw replacement
West Ham fullback, El Hadji Malick Diouf, has caught United's eye for his performances this season, with him impressing in his debut Premier League year, despite West Ham occupying the final relegation place, with only three games left to play.
According to Football Insider, those at Old Trafford see the young full-back as the ideal profile to sign, and amid the club's interest in his teammate Mateus Fernandes, West Ham's possible relegation could benefit United in negotiations.
One of the key stats that United may have used that highlighted Diouf's quality is his crossing ability with him having 0.85 successful crosses per 90, compared to Shaw's 0.24.
West Ham bought Diouf for £22 million last season, so it would be expected, even if The Hammers were to get relegated this season, you would expect them to at least try and break even, and if they are able to stay up, they will try to keep hold of the Senegalese international.
Could Diouf and United work together?
It is a interesting idea to see Diouf at United, with United needing to know really who the United manager will be next season, if they bring in a manager who wants to play with wing backs, looking to advance and get the ball into the box, Diouf could be the perfect Shaw replacement.
Diouf could be the best option for United, as with his impressive crossing stats combined with Benjamin Sesko's aerial ability, it could unlock both of their strengths.
However, defensively, there are doubts over Diouf with Shaw out-performing him in metrics, such as tackles and duels per 90.
However, this could be different different with Diouf potentialy benefiting playing with a team who will see much more of the ball, rather than the defensively minded West Ham.