Manchester United It was undoubtedly one of the most disappointing teams in Premier League Throughout the 2024/25 season, they currently sit in 13th place after the first 20 games of the season.
Reuben AmorimOur team struggled on both ends of the field. He conceded 28 times in the processoften struggle to deal with set-pieces – as seen against Arsenal, where the home side scored their effort from corner kicks.
As for the front line, they did He managed to score only 23 goalsOnly Rasmus Hoglund and Joshua Zirkzee scored Five league goals between them yet.
The latter was substituted after just half an hour in the defeat to Newcastle at Old Trafford at the end of December – highlighting the lack of impact he has made since his big-money summer move.
The Dutchman may be set for an early exit from Manchester in the coming weeks, but there is another player who looks closer than ever to ending his long-term association with his boyhood club.
Marcus Rashford's future with Manchester United
attacker Marcus Rashford He debuted as if he would be a crucial player under the new management team, starting the first two Premier League matches of the 39-year-old's reign.
27 years old He scored three times in those matches against Ipswich Town and Everton, but has since struggled for first-team minutes, leading to speculation about his long-term future at Old Trafford.
Its representatives held face-to-face talks with the Serie A team Milan regarding a possible move To San Siro, with Juventus and Borussia Dortmund monitoring his current situation.
As did West Ham United They reportedly emerged as contenders For the academy graduate after coach Graham Potter was appointed on Thursday following the sacking of Julen Lopetegui.
It remains unclear at this stage whether any interim move would include a potential purchase option, which could end his 20-year spell as a United player on a disappointing note.
However, if he leaves this month, several replacements have already been touted, including one that could prove to be a major upgrade for the Englishman.
A goal that could be a huge upgrade for Rashford to Manchester United
Although the transfer window is just over a week away, rumors are already swirling with several players already said to be of interest to new coach Amorim.
One of the names that was floated earlier this week was Paris Saint-Germain striker Kang-In Lee, who could leave the Ligue 1 side in his quest for more first-team minutes.
One Spanish outlet claimed it He could be allowed to leave for €40m (£33m) This window, with Kang-in Lee possibly wanting to move on and start a new challenge.
The 23-year-old South Korea international moved to the French giants in July 2023 from Spanish club Mallorca, but was often limited to substitute appearances following his move.
It's just getting started Nine matches in the French League Not yet in 2024/25, but still He scored six goals and two assists -resulting in an FBref rating for the attacker As a similar player For the Real Madrid star Vinicius JuniorWho finished second in the Ballon d'Or behind Rodri in 2024,
The pair have very similar traits with their excellent ability to carry the ball, as well as their ability to beat the opposition and penetrate with their stronger foot, albeit with Kan In Lee doing so from the opposite flank.
If the former Valencia youngster can replicate such qualities in Manchester, it would be one hell of a coup, undoubtedly providing a massive upgrade for Rashford and allowing the South Korean to become Amorim's own version of the Brazilian sensation.
When comparing their numbers from the current season on FBref, the Paris Saint-Germain star has vastly outperformed home-grown talent – with the fee for his services touted as an absolute bargain.
How does Kang In Lee compare to Rashford in 2024/25 so far |
||
---|---|---|
Statistics (per 90) |
Kang In Lee |
Rashford |
Games played |
16 |
15 |
Goals and assists |
8 |
5 |
Holds progressivism |
3.4 |
1.8 |
Progressive passes |
7.7 |
1.9 |
Shots on goal |
1.1 |
0.8 |
Passing accuracy |
87% |
74% |
Snapshot creation procedures |
5.9 |
2.7 |
Success in decision making |
54% |
23% |
Statistics via FBref |
The South Korean, who was previously called “Future legend“From talent scout Jacek Kulig, he produced more goals and assists, but he also did that He completed more than four progressive passes Per 90 – Showcasing his creative skill set, something United have lacked recently.
A pass is considered progressive if the distance between the starting point and the next touch is at least 10 meters closer to the opponent's goal or any completed pass inside the penalty area.
He was also able to create more shots and put in more efforts on goal Complete more tasks – Controlling Rashford in all areas for an attacking player in Amorim's current 3-4-2-1 system.
Seeing a homegrown talent leave in this way is undoubtedly disappointing for the fanbase, especially considering the special moments he provided for them on many dark days on the pitch.
However, Kang In Lee would prove to be a great replacement should the Englishman leave in January, as he would ideally position himself in one of the attacking roles behind the striker – and potentially hold the key to ending the Red Devils' current poor form in attacking areas.