Manchester United didn’t make a signing in January, but the scope to do so was there, and Ineos decided against moving for one Brazilian talent.
After witnessing Manchester United’s frustrating 1-1 draw with West Ham, there is one position that Ineos surely should have strengthened.
United may be on a roll under Michael Carrick, but the performances against low-block opposition are still a massive problem.
Despite his late assist, Bryan Mbeumo struggled at left wing, with Carrick thus far unable to replace Patrick Dorgu, but United could have in January.
United had funds for Antoine Semenyo, but when it came to another potential wing option, Ineos passed, and it’s already looking like a mistake.
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Manchester United will already regret decision not to sign Rayan
United’s left wing was identified as a problem in January, yet Ineos didn’t move to strengthen, a decision that looks silly now with Mbeumo struggling.
However, having shown that there was money to spend on the right target, United should have made a move to sign Rayan from Vasco da Gama before he joined Bournemouth as their Semenyo replacement.
United were linked with a move for Rayan from Brazil, with the 19-year-old tipped as the next big thing.
Well, instead of United, he has moved to Bournemouth and been an instant hit in the Premier League.
Rayan has only played three times for the Cherries, yet has scored twice and assisted once, proving his class, and Ineos will no doubt be regretting not pushing harder for him.
The teenager only cost £24.7m, which looks likely to be a bargain already for Bournemouth as their scouting department does it again.
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Andoni Iraola is a fan of Rayan already
United need a left winger, and Rayan could have been that with his left foot and powerful dribbling, a good solution to missing Dorgu.
Despite only getting started, Rayan has already earned praise from Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola.
“Some decisions you have to accept when the player is so young at 19 and it is his first week with us,” Iraola told BBC Match of the Day.
“He showed character, personality; he hasn’t been affected. I’ve liked what I have seen from him character-wise. He has started really well.”
Rayan is quality, and this could be a move United rue not moving on quicker because he will cost double his January fee already come the summer.
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