We were waiting for this one. Manchester United are reported to be considering a move for Kylian Mbappe next summer, report ESPN.
This report is easy to sneer at from the outside, but there are actually plenty of reasons for a transfer.
United would be silly not to enquire over the World Cup winner, so let’s get into four reasons why a deal in 2022 could make sense.
Contract makes him affordable
United have a shot at landing Mbappe for one simple reason; next summer he will be a free agent.
There will of course be huge wages and signing-on fees involved, but a free transfer makes it so much easier to do.
Mbappe would cost more than £100 million this summer even with one year left on his contract, and if he was under a long-term deal, PSG would be demanding more than £200 million.
When a player this talented is on the market, it is a rare opportunity and Manchester United simply have to pursue it and try and establish if he is keen.
Extend Pogba and sign Mbappe
For all the talk about Paul Pogba leaving United to join Mbappe at PSG, why not the other way around?
Extending Pogba’s contract would give United a big advantage to tempt Mbappe to the club.
Getting them both in the same team will leave United with a devastating pairing which has already been established at international level.
Knowing Mbappe could be United-bound would surely be enough to tempt Pogba into staying.
Haaland won’t be easy to sign
United’s top summer target is Norwegian striker Erling Haaland, who has previously worked under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Molde.
Haaland will cost more, although his release clause makes him affordable.
The difference is, United won’t have to deal with Mino Raiola to sign Mbappe.
Bayern Munich will likely also make a play to sign Haaland, Sky Sports report, and other top clubs will also ensure United don’t have a clear run.
Mutual admiration
Mbappe has had clashes against United in the past with PSG and experienced wins and losses. There is a mutual admiration there.
The striker is pals with Marcus Rashford, with The Athletic reporting Mbappe messaged the striker privately after England’s penalty shootout defeat.
Mbappe also praised Rashford for his charity work, The Mail reported, as well as lauding his quality on the pitch.
The Times reported last year that United were one of the clubs Mbappe was interested in signing for if he were to quit PSG.
- 12 things I liked and disliked from Man Utd’s 5-0 thrashing of Rosenborg
- Joshua Zirkzee showed for Man Utd vs Rosenborg that he can have a unique role for Carrick
- Shea Lacey impressed Man United’s analysts with more than just his goal vs Rosenborg
- Andrey Santos is fixing Man Utd in an area Casemiro was a problem, it was clear vs Rosenborg
- Three tactical lessons learned about Michael Carrick’s 26/27 approach from Rosenborg friendly
- What Man Utd fans are all saying about Harry Amass after 5-0 win vs Rosenborg, ‘this was an audition…’
- Five things learned in Man Utd’s 5-0 win over Rosenborg
- Man Utd vs Rosenborg player ratings, Zirkzee masterful but 9/10 star is making a new position his own
- 10 best Man Utd fan reactions to Shea Lacey’s first-half performance against Rosenborg, one feeling is clear
- Who is Nicolò Tresoldi? The Italy-born Germany youth striker linked with Man Utd
- Youri Tielemans’ past injuries and age cannot overshadow immediate solution solved in Man Utd’s post-Casemiro era
- I was desperate for Man United to sign Eduardo Camavinga, but his latest Real Madrid decision is a worry
- Joshua Zirkzee’s stance on Juventus move could fast-track Man Utd exit
- Danilo has already learned two important skills from Casemiro amid rumblings he could move to Man Utd
- Man Utd may immediately repeat their successful Youri Tielemans ‘trick’ with their next midfield signing
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
