This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
Having got rid of numerous players over this calendar year, Manchester United have left themselves with an incredibly thin squad. The departures of Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez have led to much criticism over the club’s remaining options up front, but the more low-key exits of Marouane Fellaini and Ander Herrera have also been just as significant.
Whether they were good enough for the Red Devils or not, they provided some much-needed depth and competition in the middle of the park. Add to that, the horrendous form Jesse Lingard is currently in (he has yet to score this season in the league), and Paul Pogba’s own injury troubles, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has his hands tied behind his back for trying to piece together a midfield.
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And that is exactly why their reported interest in Lille prospect Boubakary Soumare is incredibly welcome. But even more so than the extra option he would provide his Norwegian boss, the 20-year-old has a style of play that United desperately need.
On the chalkboard
Thanks to their impressive campaign last season in which they finished second only behind Paris Saint-Germain, Lille have been involved in the Champions League this year. Despite finding themselves bottom of the group after the opening three games, Soumare has been someone who has come out of the initial stages with a lot of credit to his name.
He has shown a penchant for looking to drive the team forward at every opportunity, as evidenced by his impressive 2.7 dribbles per game in the competition – a number almost double his average of 1.4 in Ligue 1. It speaks to a temperament where he comes alive when the lights shine brightest, and that is a trait the Red Devils could absolutely do with.
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Soumare’s creativity is also there for all to see, averaging one key pass per game. Such has been his influence in matches, opposition teams have resorted to the dark arts to stop him in his tracks, fouling him 1.7 times per match. Having only scored 13 times in the Premier League this season, United would be significantly improved with a central midfielder who can carry the ball forward and have the ability and vision to spot an opening.
Whether it’s lining up in a midfield two or three, Soumare’s style of play is something that could add a sprinkle of stardust to the Red Devils’ current approach.