From the football pitch to the cultural aspects, Manchester United and Liverpool share a rich history and a rivalry that never goes unnoticed. When one team thrives, the other works their socks off to match the counterpart.
However, the current 2020-21 Premier League season has seen both clubs going through a bumpy ride, with the illustrious duo struggling to keep up with league-leaders Manchester City.
Both team’s defensive vulnerabilities have proved to be a major reason behind their recent miseries. Though, it has been claimed that a winger might entice a tug-of-war between the fierce rivals in the upcoming summer transfer window.
According to the Manchester Evening News, both Manchester United and Liverpool have expressed their interest in Leeds United winger Raphael Dias Belloli, also known as Raphinha.
Both Manchester United and Liverpool want Raphinha
While Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has identified the Brazilian as an alternative to Jadon Sancho, Jurgen Klopp is inclined towards establishing some competition at right-wing for the Reds.
These days, the Red Devils fail to penetrate oppositions’ defensive line in the way they would be able to do with the assurance of a natural right-winger. Therefore, bringing in a right-sided winger should be at the top of Solskjaer’s priority list.
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Raphinha joined Leeds United from Stade Rennais for a reported transfer fee of £17 million in the last summer transfer window. Since moving to Elland Road, the 24-year-old has been prolific with his swift feet and flamboyant trickery.
He has scored 4 goals and provided 5 assists from 18 Premier League appearances this season. The winger was also quick to earn the faith of Marcelo Bielsa, and he now stands one of the first names on the team sheet.
If United consider him a serious transfer target for next summer, this information might be alluring to the Red Devils enthusiasts – Bruno Fernandes and Raphinha used to play together at Sporting CP.
Fernandes’ supposedly healthy relationship with Raphinha might play a huge part in any possible move next summer.