Everton are one of the few Premier League clubs who it could be argued have had a far worse season than Manchester United, based on expectations heading into the campaign. The Toffees are fighting relegation and a clearout is likely in the summer, regardless of whether they survive or not.
The struggles on the blue half of Merseyside may present an opportunity for Manchester United. Brazilian winger Richarlison has been linked with swapping Everton for Manchester United.
Goal Brazil reports interest from United in the player, who has just two years left on his contract with Everton.
Where Richarlison would fit in
United are short of an attacking player due to Mason Greenwood being cast aside for legal reasons. Edinson Cavani is also set to depart on a free transfer.
Richarlison can play out wide or up front, and this versatility could make him an ideal option for United. He would be able to operate as a striker and rotate with Cristiano Ronaldo, who wants to stay next season, and his ability to play out wide means they could both line-up together too, without it being strictly ‘either or’.
Jadon Sancho’s ability to play on both flanks helps United accommodate Richarlison out wide, while Marcus Rashford, Amad, and Facundo Pellistri can still also compete for places.
What a move would likely mean, is that United would abandon other proposed plans to sign Ajax’s Antony, Leverkusen’s Moussa Diaby, and Villarreal’s Arnaut Danjuma, who have all been linked. [sources 90 Min, Sport 1, Fabrizio Romano].
United missed the chance before
Richarlison was linked with a move to Manchester United during his time in Brazil with Fluminense, with The Sun reporting interest in 2017. Watford instead won the race, snapping him up for just £13 million, and he became an immediate hit in the Premier League.
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Everton paid out £50 million to sign Richarlison a year later. He has been a consistent performer, scoring 47 goals and providing 25 assists in 142 games.
These include one goal against United, in Everton’s 4-0 win at Goodison in April 2019. This season he has five goals, a fairly low tally, although reflective of the Toffees’ struggles and poor league position.
Richarlison has also become a regular for Brazil, scoring a commendable 10 goals in 32 matches for his country.
His Premier League experience makes him somewhat of a safer bet than some other options. Richarlison is still only 24, and needs a fresh challenge. A move to Old Trafford would be a big leap forward in his career and one he would surely embrace.