Manchester United scouts will have had eyes on almost every World Cup game this summer, and Ghana vs Panama will have been no different.
While the game was never a blockbuster game on paper or on the pitch, there were reasons that Manchester United should have been watching.
This reason is Ghanaian wonderkid Caleb Yirenkyi, who United have been linked with signing this summer as an exciting midfield signing for the future.
Yirenkyi was tipped as one to watch by Michael Essien at the World Cup, and he has certainly lived up to expectations after his first outing.
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Caleb Yirenkyi impressive for Ghana on World Cup debut
Yirenkyi will grab the headlines for Ghana, as it was his goal that broke the deadlock after a really poor game for most of the time in Toronto.
But the most impressive part of the 20-year-old’s performance wasn’t his goal.
Much raved about is the physical profile of Yirenkyi in midfield, which the Nordsjaelland talent showed against Panama as he won five duels, completed nine recoveries, and made three interceptions.
Yirenkyi coupled this with excellence on the ball, completing 97 per cent of his passes (31/32), and he also added three dribbles as he carried the ball forward really well.
He stood out massively with his attitude, also a massive green flag for Ineos.
Yirenkyi wasn’t just content patrolling his area of the pitch; he was at all times ready to pounce and press the opposition wherever they were.
He was relentless in his running, covering so much ground and really quickly, hunting opponents and the ball in an impressive fashion.
He also had the gas tank to do it for 90 minutes, as shown as he was able to get forward to finish off the move for the goal, bursting a lung to get into the box.
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Yirenkyi could be Manchester United’s own Carlos Baleba
This summer’s midfield rebuild has definitely steered away from Carlos Baleba due to the price tag and because he suits Michael Carrick less than Ruben Amorim.
But if Yirenkyi is available around £20m, it should be a no-brainer.
He would offer the physical impact in midfield that United might lack with the other rumoured midfield additions, while he is the ball carrier and safe passer, Baleba is, for a fraction of the price, allowing him to be a squad player.
Yirenkyi is going to have a lot of suitors this summer; United should be at the front of the queue.
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