Manchester United linked with explosive forward who could revive their season

According to the Metro, Manchester United are weighing up a move for Borussia Dortmund midfielder Marco Reus in the January transfer window.

After a poor start to the season, manager David Moyes has been promised funds to improve the squad in the January transfer window and the German midfielder is seen as the perfect player to add significant quality to the current squad.

Reportedly, the Red Devils will look to complete a deal worth around £25 million, with out-of-favour Shinji Kagawa forming part of the agreement. Understandably however, Dortmund will do all they can do resist the sale of one of their most prized assets.

The 24-year-old has scored six goals in just 11 games this season, and he currently tops the German club’s rankings in terms of Performance Score. His creative ability has also proved extremely influential this season. Having made 37 key passes in total, Reus has assisted in five of the teams total goals. It is hard to deny the fact he has been Dortmund’s star man so far this campaign and manager Jurgen Klopp would be very reluctant to see him leave.

Marco Reus’ season so far

However, it’s also difficult to dispute just how good a signing he would be for David Moyes and Manchester United. Considering his ability, £25 million seems a huge undervaluation, it wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see Dortmund requesting £40 million or more.

Reus would provide a huge boost at Old Trafford, just like Mesut Ozil has at Arsenal. The arrival of such a talent would bring an air of excitement to Manchester United, a sense they’ve lacked since the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, I would argue.

Deployed as a left-sided midfielder, he would fit effortlessly into the current set-up at United. It is fair to say the club’s current wingers, Messrs Nani, Young and Valencia, have been ineffective this campaign, and the German’s arrival would give David Moyes a new attacking outlet on the wing.

When compared to the Red Devil’s current options, Reus has been outstanding this campaign. In fact, his Performance Score is currently higher than Nani, Young and Valencia’s combined. United’s wingers have offered little threat to their opponents, with just one goal scored between them. Adnan Januzaj has been the club’s only real inspiration from midfield this season, a starting line-up with him and Reus on either wings would make for an impressive side.

As far as playing style is concerned, Reus exploits his pace and creativity to ease past opposition players down the flank. Already this season he has successfully taken on an opponent 28 times, registering a 58% success rate. His creative ability then allows him to find a team-mate or often find the back of the net himself.

In terms of shooting, his ability is on par with the rest of his overall game. The German has an outrageous shot accuracy of 71%, whilst his actual conversion rate is equally impressive at 21.4%. Reus loves to cut inside and shoot, and considering United’s lack of goals from midfield so far this season. his arrival would bring a new dimension to the Red Devils’ style of play.

The only downside to Reus’ game is his ball retention. With a passing accuracy of just 76%, he is sometimes wasteful in possession. Perhaps this is just a sign of his creative side, as he attempts more dangerous passes than the average player. However, compared to current Premier League playmakers i.e. David Silva (87%), Mesut Ozil (87%) and Eden Hazard (80%), this statistic is below par.

Reus is an outstanding talent and without a shadow of a doubt would be a massive coup for Manchester United. The club have been crying out for a creative midfield talent for a number of seasons now and the 24-year-old would be the perfect solution to the fan’s current concerns. Dortmund will be very reluctant to agree a deal and £25 million is a huge undervaluation. If Moyes wants Reus in January he should expect to spend big, it is fair to say the German would certainly be worth the money.