Mukiele is a perfect transfer target for Man Utd
Robin Bairner
- 28 Feb 2022 14:24 GMT
- 5 min read
Manchester United have been linked with a potential summer move for RB Leipzig right wing-back Nordi Mukiele.
The rumours should not come as a surprise. After all, interim head coach Ralf Rangnick worked with Mukiele while with the Bundesliga club, while the once-capped France international plays in a position that has long been pinpointed as a problem for Man Utd.
Furthermore, the 24-year-old possesses many of the attributes that Man Utd are lacking in their wide defensive areas.
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Mukiele looks on paper to be a player who would be well suited to the move.
Mukiele’s strengths
In terms of Mukiele’s playing style, he is similar to what Manchester United have. Aaron Wan-Bissaka typically plays as a wing-back or an advanced full-back, much like the RB Leipzig star, and has a similar profile physically to the transfer target.
In terms of physicality, he is a more impressive prospect than Diogo Dalot.
In terms of performance, Mukiele embodies much of what Rangnick will try to bring to Old Trafford.
Firstly, SciSports’ data rates him as the best pressing wing-back in the Bundesliga so far this season. Meanwhile, Wan Bissaka is a relatively mediocre 28th in the Premier League.
Similarly, Mukiele rates in the top three of Germany’s top flight both in terms of prevention and recoveries. He stands well clear of his main competition at Man Utd in both these regards.
Mukiele regularly takes up good positions going forward but is not entirely polished in the final third.
He passes well and crosses adequately, especially when he gets to the byline, but in terms of his dribbling and final product, there is scope for improvement.
Having worked with Mukiele previously, Rangnick will know that there is potential there that can be unlocked with some work on the training ground.
With so many Frenchman already at the club, including Raphael Varane and Paul Pogba, his settling process would surely be made easier, too, if Pogba stays.
How much would he cost?
According to FootballTransfers’ algorithm, which calculates the value of players based on hundreds of in-game data points, as well as numerous external factors, Mukiele would set Man Utd back around €25 million.
There are no concerns over his eligibility for a UK work permit, while his international reputation is expected to grow in the months ahead as he should gain additional game time with France.
Mukiele to Man Utd is a transfer that adds up.
