In anticipation of the 2024–2025 season, Manchester United is preparing for a number of big changes this summer. After finishing eighth in the Premier League, the club is unsure about manager Erik ten Hag’s future even though they defeated Manchester City in the FA Cup final owing to the 2 goals scored by Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho.
Without a set end date, the post-season review which is done by their new part owners, INEOS, is currently underway. A number of players are expected to depart Old Trafford in addition to prospective managerial changes. With Anthony Martial and Raphael Varane already out of the picture, their replacements must be found.
Ousmane Diomande, an Ivorian center back for Sporting CP is United’s main target. Many teams including Liverpool and Newcastle United have expressed interest in the 20-year-old however Newcastle’s interest appears to have waned. United has communicated with Diomande’s representatives and is contemplating a move as reported by journalist Charlie Gordon of The Express.
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Due to financial constraints, Sporting CP has lowered its asking price for Diomande who had a release clause originally set at £68 million. The club is now considering offers at as low as £35 million. United is now more interested in signing the young defender as a result of this price reduction.
Diomande made 26 league appearances contributing to 10 clean sheets 2 goals and 1 assist. He was a key player in Sporting’s championship-winning campaign. According to FBref, he is among the best center-backs in Europe for both progressive passes and carries demonstrative remarkable passing and ball-carrying skills.
He shows his comfort and skills with the ball by averaging 57.32 carries and 5.15 progressive passes every 90 minutes. With an impressive speed and dominance in aerial duels, Diomande excels defensively. He wins 72.3% of his aerial battles ranking him in the top 6% of center-backs.
He is a well-rounded defender because of his exceptional ability to recover possession and defend wide areas. Diomande would join the ranks of other accomplished Sporting acquisitions like Bruno Fernandes if United were to sign him.
Fernandes, who is renowned for his creative ability, has a different role but Diomande’s defensive skills could also improve United’s performance overall. Sporting transfers have historically benefited United as evidenced by the notable contributions made by icons like Nani and Cristiano Ronaldo.
At Old Trafford, Diomande has the potential to carry on this tradition and establish himself as a key figure in the new Ratcliffe era.
