Darwin Nunez scores again to show why Manchester United should pay big to sign him

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Darwin Nunez’s dream season so far for Benfica has seen him catch the eye of several Premier League teams, one of who is reported to be Manchester United.

The Athletic report United consider Nunez the top option aside from Harry Kane, and while he would still be expensive, he would cost less than the Tottenham star.

Last night Nunez was in action against a Premier League side, giving clubs like United the chance to see how he would fare. The Uruguayan passed the test.

Nunez scores 28th goal of the season

A Bola has reported how United have sent scouts to watch Nunez this season. It is near certain the club will have been watching him last night.

Nunez showed how lethal he can be as he capitalised on a mistake from Liverpool defender Ibrahim Konate to score.

He demonstrated his awareness and his clinical quality, just like he did in the last round against Ajax when he struck the winner. He showed a cool head and a good first touch, before curling the ball past Alisson into the corner.

Michael Owen praised him on BT Sport, commenting, “His first touch was brilliant and the goal was absolutely exquisite.”

Nunez was lively and had a penalty appeal turned down when Virgil van Dijk appeared to pull him back. He went down too easily, which counted against him, and this is a side of his game he will have to refine if he moves to England.

This season Nunez now has 28 goals in 35 matches, including 5 in 9 in the Champions League. In Portugal’s top flight alone he boasts 21 in 23 games, and has two further domestic goals in the cup.

The Uruguayan recently displaced Edinson Cavani in his national team’s starting line-up, and he could be an ideal replacement for him at Old Trafford.

The one aspect counting against United is a lack of Champions League football. FiveThirtyEight predict United have just a five per cent chance of finishing in the top four this season. Securing a top four place would obviously give United an edge in the race for Nunez’s signature, although it is still possible.

Unfortunately for Nunez, and for United fans, Liverpool won the game 3-1 and look likely to make it through to the next round. But they did not get an easy night up against the striker, who kept them honest with the service he got.

He will get another crack at Liverpool at Anfield in the second leg, and further try to catch United’s attention, although according to the reports, the Red Devils already have him firmly in their sights.