Manchester United eye Yaya Toure in thrifty transfer
By Wyatt Miner
With the offseason in full swing, Jose Mourinho continues to eye up potential targets and no position is safe from scrutiny.
Since Michael Carrick retired, he left a gap in the Manchester United midfield. However, Mourinho secured the signing of the Brazilian, Fred. In addition to the departure of Carrick, rumors persist that Marouane Fellaini is on his way out of Old Trafford. Going into the next season, the midfield needs a makeover.
According to the Manchester Evening News, Yaya Toure could look to move away from Manchester City. Additionally, the Ivory Coast player stated, “I don’t rule big teams out,” when addressing the transfer rumors. Thankfully for Manchester United, a move to a rival team would not scare away a valuable midfielder.
Obviously, Toure desires a team where he can go and compete immediately. While playing for Manchester City, the Ivorian grew accustomed to winning ways. Therefore, it makes sense that he wants to continue to win with a big club.
Given his turbulent relationship with his current manger, the veteran has a point to prove. Toure sunk into the second team under Pep Guardiola, but he would be a first team player under Jose Mourinho. More importantly, Toure would come at little cost to United. Furthermore, the midfielder would be a free transfer, given his contract is up with City.
Yaya Toure career stats
The citizen has over two hundred first team appearances to his name, as well as many, many trophies in his cabinet. Given his outstanding achievement, Toure is a standout name in the free agent market.
The Ivorian international found the net sixty-two times in his career, and he assisted his team thirty two times.
Toure has over fifteen thousand career passes, which equates to about 68 passes per game. His passing play in the midfield proves outstanding. Unfortunately, his crossing accuracy leaves much more to be desired, at eighteen percent completion.
What makes the midfielder outstanding?
Toure has physical strength on the ball that would transfer well at Manchester United. United’s midfield stands strong and tall, and the Ivorian would fit in well in front of Nemanja Matic.
Furthermore, he boasts an accurate shot, and a deadly free kick strategy. Given Manchester United’s struggles this season, Mourinho needs a player with many talents. One-dimensional players simply will not cut it anymore.
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In the end, anything is possible for Yaya Toure. Given his limited role in the 2017/18 season, the midfielder must be searching for a move away from City. Also, with United’s current state of the midfield, Mourinho needs a player as seasoned as Toure. As the summer transfer window continues to heat up, can Manchester United make the moves to be successful in the off season?