Manchester United Transfer News: Latest Christian Benteke, Danny Ings Rumours
Manchester United are reportedly looking to Aston Villa’s rumbustious forward Christian Benteke in an attempt to bolster their forward options.
According to Paul Hetherington of the Daily Star, Red Devils boss Louis van Gaal was impressed with the burly Belgian during the recent meeting between the sides. As Hetherington's piece notes, with the futures of both Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao in doubt, there could be a need for forward replenishment at Old Trafford.
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As we can see here courtesy of OptaJoe, after a tough start to the season at Villa Park, Benteke has been a forward revitalised under Tim Sherwood's tutelage:
It’s because this Villa side is suddenly playing directly to his strengths. Benteke is an indomitable presence at the point of the attack, boasting brute strength, a monstrous leap and superb aerial ability. But his hold-up up play is refined and intelligent, something that sets him apart from a lot of other target men.
Here’s a look at how he’s fared in direct comparison to United’s strikers this season:
| Apps (Sub) | 21 (3) | 29 | 24 | 13 (9) |
| Goals | 10 | 12 | 10 | 4 |
| Assists | 2 | 5 | 2 | 4 |
| Average Shots per Game | 2.8 | 2.4 | 2.7 | 1.6 |
| Average Key Passes per Game | 1.1 | 1.4 | 1 | 0.7 |
Van Gaal will definitely have to look at this facet of his squad in the summer, and Benteke would be a fine acquisition. He may not be the most glamorous of options, but the signing of Falcao has served to prove just how difficult it can be for players to settle in the Premier League; the Belgian international is now a thoroughbred goalscorer at this level.
As his recent form has proven, Benteke is a player that a team can potentially build their offensive forays around, as we can see here courtesy of Bleacher Report’s Sam Tighe:
If United were to land Benteke, he’d have to be one of a couple of additions at the sharp end of the pitch. For all the Villa man’s skills, he doesn’t boast blistering pace or an incision with the ball at his feet, and these are qualities that United are in desperate need of up front.
But the Villa man would certainly add something different to the Red Devils’ offensive forays. Van Gaal is a manager who values the importance of mixing things up in attack, and a player like Benteke would further enhance the unpredictability that has made United such a force to be reckoned with as of late.
Memphis Depay Interest Confirmed
As noted by Ashley Clements of the MailOnline, PSV Eindhoven technical director Marcel Brands has confirmed that there are "big clubs" interested in winger Memphis Depay, who has previously been linked with a switch to Old Trafford.
The Netherlands international has enjoyed an exceptional campaign at the Philips Stadion, helping the Dutch giants to the Eredivisie title. But Brands admitted it would be no surprise to see Depay leave the club.
“There is serious interest [in Depay] from big clubs,” he said. “If it comes to a deal, he must make the choice. Then it's up to us to come out with such a club.”
Here’s a look at why Depay is apparently in demand with some of European football’s biggest names:
As noted by Clements, United, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City are all very keen on the Oranje starlet, who has turned in a string of dazzling displays this season. But having worked with Van Gaal previously in the Dutch setup, the Red Devils would surely have an edge should PSV decide to sell.
Depay has all the qualities required to flourish in English football and his raw playing style would thrill the Old Trafford faithful. There are still some edges to smooth down in his game, but his capricious streak would give United’s attack a refreshing new dimension and—as his 23 strikes this season illustrate, per WhoScored.com—an added goal threat.
Danny Ings Reveals New Club Criteria
Burnley forward Danny Ings has revealed what he is looking for from his new club, insisting regular time on the pitch is vital.
As Sam Wallace of the Independent notes, the 22-year-old—who has been linked with a move to the likes of United, Liverpool and Real Sociedad—has spoken about his future, stating he doesn’t want to “disappear” when he leaves Turf Moor:
"One thing I don’t want to do is go somewhere and, not rot, but all of a sudden disappear for a while.
I always back myself and no matter what step I take next I want to do well. One thing I do want next year no matter where I am, and I don’t know where that is going to be, is to work with a manager who is going to coach me and really develop me as a player.
That’s all you can ask for, to learn and be the best you can be. It is important that you do get football.
"
It’s easy to see why clubs of the stature of United and Liverpool have been linked with the Englishman. He’s been superb at the point of the Burnley attack this season, providing what is an often isolated spark in a team that relies on cohesion and graft. With classier players around him, Ings is the type of talent who would flourish.
Indeed, given the uncertainty surrounding the futures of key figures at Old Trafford, Nooruddean Choudry of the Daily Mirror thinks Ings would be a savvy signing:
But at this juncture, as impressive as the Burnley man has been, he’s not a player who’s going to be a regular starter for United, and as such he may decide to take his chances elsewhere. After all, the aforementioned quotes point to a player who is realistic about his options and very serious about developing as a young footballer.
He’d learn a lot from a move to Old Trafford, of that there is little doubt. But there are other critical factors to consider when making a move this substantial, and if United are hoping to enrich their forward options with some superstar purchases, Ings could be put off joining the Red Devils.
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