Manchester United Transfer News: Adam Ounas Contact Made Amid Latest Rumours

Manchester United have reportedly initiated talks with Girondins de Bordeaux with a view to signing their exciting young attacker Adam Ounas. 

According to John Cross of the Daily Mirror, the Red Devils want to bring the 19-year-old to Old Trafford as they gear up for a new chapter under the tutelage of manager Jose Mourinho.

“The Old Trafford giants have made enquiries to Ounas’ representatives, but it could take a big offer to tempt Bordeaux to sell,” Cross said. “United believe he could be one for the future, although he is currently tied to the Ligue 1 side on a contract that runs until 2019.”

In a disappointing season for Bordeaux, finishing 11th in Ligue 1, Ounas’ emergence was a bright point. Here is a look at the kind of talent he could potentially bring to the Premier League:

After making his debut in October, the teenager made 28 appearances in total in 2015-16, scoring five goals and bagging two assists in the process. Ounas also featured in a variety of roles, showing his ability to cut inside from the flanks, as well as operating in a central position in support of a striker.

His main attributes are technical. Ounas has a natural feel for the ball and is able to receive possession in tight areas and wriggle away from opposition defenders.

Although he’s not the stockiest, the teenager packs a punch with his long-range shots, a weapon that’s been used to great effect when darting in from the right-hand side.

Pascal Rondeau/Getty Images

Even so, there are rough edges to his game, with WhoScored.com noting the 19-year-old lost possession 1.9 times a game on average. Bleacher Report’s Andrew Gibney is unsure whether Ounas is ready for the Premier League:

What will likely be encouraging for Red Devils supporters is to read United are looking to bring in youthful talent.

One of the underpinning concerns for many in appointing Mourinho was this part of the club would be pushed to one side, with the Portuguese holding a longstanding reputation for not trusting young players.

They’re worries that were shared by Dutch football journalist Elko Born, who noted just how many exciting prospects there are at Old Trafford:

Ounas’ capture would suggest United are serious about bringing in the most exciting rising stars from the continent, as well as nurturing their own academy players, such as Marcus Rashford.

Even so, for the Bordeaux man, a move from Ligue 1 to the demanding landscape of English football would be a little premature this summer.

He has a lot to learn about the game. Ounas, while talented, can cling to possession too long, can be barged off the ball and could look to improve his defensive qualities. For the time being, the best place for him to smooth down those rough edges is at the Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux.