Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim secured his second consecutive Europa League victory final night time, beating Viktoria Plzen 2-1, however as soon as once more, hello facet made arduous work of the win.
The Pink Devils fell a aim behind simply minutes into the second half after Andre Onana’s slack cross was pounced upon, handing Matej Vydra an open aim to place the hosts forward.
Nonetheless, Rasmus Hojlund saved the day, scoring a double off the substitutes’ bench, after being dropped for the assembly within the Czech Republic.
Summer season addition Joshua Zirkzee as soon as once more did not impress and reap the benefits of his begin, being changed after an hour, along with his subsequent show placing his United profession in danger.
He’s solely scored thrice in his 22 appearances for the Pink Devils, trying approach off the tempo and never price wherever close to the £36.5m payment forked out for his signature.
Consequently, different choices have not too long ago been focused, with Amorim clearly not pleased with the attacking output, probably placing an early finish to the Dutchman’s profession in England.
United’s pursuit of a brand new centre-forward
Rumours have been swirling over quite a few names of strikers who might be set for a transfer to Outdated Trafford, however as of but, no participant appears near a transfer to the North West.
Alexander Isak, Dušan Vlahović and Viktor Gyokeres are simply three gamers who’ve been touted with a switch in current occasions, however they aren’t the one ones.
Brighton striker Joao Pedro was linked with a transfer to United earlier this week, named in a report by UOL as certainly one of two Premier League sides registering curiosity in a transfer for the Brazilian worldwide.
He’s made an outstanding begin to the continuing marketing campaign, scoring 4 and registering three assists in his opening 9 matches, additionally catching the eye of Liverpool within the course of.
There’s no point out of any potential price ticket for the 23-year-old, however his versatility of with the ability to function as a lone striker or as a quantity 10 would see him be an ideal match for Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system.
Pedro has confirmed he’s able to being the principle man in a Premier League outfit, making him a viable choice for the brand new boss forward of January, along with his comparisons to at least one main top-flight expertise solely highlighting what a stellar addition he can be.
Why Pedro may finish Zirkzee’s United profession
As beforehand talked about, Zirkzee has been unable to make the influence he would’ve envisaged upon his big-money switch, struggling to make his mark below Erik ten Hag and now Amorim.
The fast-paced nature of England’s high flight doesn’t seem to swimsuit the 23-year-old, however he undeniably doesn’t have the traits of a conventional Amorim striker – missing the work charge and hold-up play on the high finish of the pitch.
Hojlund’s type is barely going to lower his recreation time, while a transfer for Pedro would massively influence his skill to achieve the minutes he would want.
When delving into the Brighton ace’s stats from the present season, he’s outperformed the previous Bologna star in numerous areas – resulting in comparisons from FBref to Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah.
It could appear a farfetched resemblance given their distinction in roles, however Pedro has bettered the Egyptian in a number of key attacking areas all through current months.
The Brazilian “magician”, as dubbed by commentator Kevin Hatchard, has registered fewer mixed targets and assists this season, however managed to attain a greater aim per shot on track charge – making him a extra scientific choice primarily based on his possibilities in entrance of aim.
How Joao Pedro compares to Mohamed Salah within the Premier League (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)
Pedro
Salah
Video games performed
9
14
Objectives & assists
7
21
Objectives per shot-on-target
0.6
0.4
Progressive passes
4
3.7
Cross accuracy
74%
72%
Profitable dribbles
1.7
1.6
Aerials gained
1.9
0.2
Tackles gained
1.1
0.6
Stats by way of FBref
He could primarily be a centre-forward, however he’s registered extra progressive passes per 90 than Arne Slot’s star man, showcasing his versatility in attacking areas, making him in a position to enhance the goalscoring tallies of these round him.
Crucially, the Seagulls attacker has additionally gained 1.1 tackles per 90, demonstrating his skill out of possession, arguably making him the proper choice for the 39-year-old United boss.
Any deal for Pedro will undoubtedly be one more enormous sum splashed by the present hierarchy, nevertheless it’s evident what he would convey to the present first-team facet, offering an instantaneous improve, while additionally having the potential to enhance down the road.
Nonetheless, the Pink Devils will face an enormous activity in convincing him to maneuver to Outdated Trafford, quite than Anfield, ought to they resolve to pursue a transfer for the 23-year-old in January.
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Manchester United secured a 3rd consecutive Europa League victory final night time.