Former Manchester United striker Louis Saha believes Christopher Nkunku would be a success if he joins the Red Devils before the transfer window closes.
Ruben Amorim’s side have been weighing up a loan offer for the Chelsea forward and, speaking to spaceportsweden.com, Saha said that the player has plenty of qualities that he hasn’t been able to showcase at his current club:
“I think Christopher Nkunku would be a brilliant signing for Manchester United. If they could bring him in in January, then I would be very pleased. He’s a top player that I’ve followed since he was at PSG. When he signed for Chelsea, I was very surprised because they already had several players that could play in his position.”
“I think he’s been really unlucky, because for me, his best position is playing just behind the striker and there is no way that he can get into the team in front of Cole Palmer, who has been one of the best players in the Premier League since last season.”
“He’s very mobile. He’s a very, very busy player. Believe me, I know him well. I followed his entire career. He’s a top player, and unless he’s injured, he guarantees you goals and assists.”
Saha claims that Nkunku could potentially replace another player who formally played for Chelsea:
“When I look at Mason Mount, how much hope that we had for him, I think it will be really difficult for him to come back to the player that we all saw at Chelsea. I don’t think Nkunku would have the same problems. We know he hasn’t played much, but when he has, he’s been effective. I think he would be an excellent signing if Manchester United can do it. I think he would fit nicely into Amorim’s system.”
Nkunku would be ideal for United’s front three
One of the reasons why Amorim is not a big fan of Marcus Rashford or Alejandro Garnacho is due to the fact they are inverted wingers.
In the Portuguese coach’s front three, he likes to have two No.10s either side of the main striker Neither player can effectively do that job and the likes of Bruno Fernandes have been asked to fill in there instead.
In contrast, Nkunku would be perfect for that role. He was deployed there during his time at RB Leipzig and he was the Bundesliga side’s main playmaker
A loan deal may need to include a purchase clause
One potential issue that might prevent United from securing Nkunku’s services is the fact that the player is hoping to leave Chelsea on a permanent basis.
A loan could still be possible as long as an option/obligation to buy is included in any proposal. The Frenchman’s asking price is pretty steep, though – approximately £70m.
Read our exclusive with Louis Saha here as he assesses the performances of Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee.
Find out who is in Manchester United’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here