OPINION
A recent report from the Independent has revealed that Manchester United are set to turn their attention to Croatian Ante Rebic as an alternative to Willian.
The winger, who starred in his country’s run to the World Cup final this summer, is also being monitored by German giants Bayern Munich.
This news is the latest episode in what has been a summer long saga for Jose Mourinho, who has seen his determination to land a top class winger foiled at every turn.
Chelsea’s Willian emerged as United’s prime target recently, but negotiations have proved difficult and Barcelona now appear the player’s most likely destination.
The Independent’s report states that United still hold an interest in Rebic’s international team mate Ivan Perisic, but the Inter man’s scintillating performances at the World Cup have seen his value skyrocket.
All of this has apparently led to Rebic’s surprise emergence as a target for United, with the 24-year-old bound to cost significantly less than Willian or Perisic.
Mourinho should resist the urge to settle for the low-cost option, however. Rebic was mightily impressive for Croatia at the World Cup, but he is very much United’s third choice in this scenario for a reason. He doesn’t possess the same game-changing quality as Willian and Perisic, and certainly wouldn’t be a guaranteed starter for United.
Winger is clearly a priority for the United boss this summer, but if he can’t secure a top class option who would come in and massively enhance the team from day one then it’s not really worth doing.
United currently have a trio of young talents who can all operate on the wing: Jesse Lingard, Marcus Rashford and Andreas Pereira. Surely it’s wiser to let these players flourish than to bring in someone who is going to stunt their growth just because he’s a cheaper alternative to better players.
It’s about time Pereira got his shot at United. He’s impressed in pre-season many times before but has always found himself out on loan or in developmental wilderness by the time competitive football is played. It’s important, also, for Rashford to get regular game time even if it is on the wing.
What it all boils down to is that Rebic, while a good player, is not quite United quality. He’s 24 years of age, meaning he could still get better, but the Croatian has scored just 31 goals over his entire professional career.
It’s tempting for United to go for Rebic because he’s a relatively easy and cheap purchase after being frustrated by Willian and Perisic, but the club should explore the options already at the club before deciding to settle for the mercurial Croatian.