Latest developments
- Manchester United are considering a move for Barcelona's Ansu Fati.
- United are said to be looking for permanent deals only.
- Fati would fill the role vacated by Marcus Rashford.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (2.5/5): Story getting traction
Man Utd are interested in making a late bid for Barcelona winger Ansu Fati this month.
That is according to GIVEMESPORT, who have been light on the source material, but the story has been picked up by plenty of other outlets today, adding some legitimacy.
Value (3/5): Price dropped for a reason
A loanee at Brighton last season, Fati is little more than a forgotten man at Barcelona, where his market value has slumped to just £8.45 million, from the £68 million it stood at in 2021.
Tottenham and West Ham have been linked to him, and a bidding war is not ideal for any club who risk overpaying for a player with such a poor injury record.
Suitability (3.5/5): Needs to stay fit
He did contribute last term for the Seagulls, with five goal involvements in 27 games, and he would have played more, but once again injury struck.
With a bit more luck on his side, he may be better prepared for Premier League football second time around, with Ruben Amorim's reliance on wingers suiting his style of play.
Upgrade? (4/5): United losing their left-wingers
If Marcus Rashford goes the other way and Alejandro Garnacho also departs, United will be in dire need of a left-winger.
If they move on, the Guinea-Bissau-born Spaniard will be straight into the team, but if Garnacho stays, he can expect to be just a rotation option.
Logic (3.5/5): Needs a move away
Eight appearances in all competitions and just one start suggests Fati is not part of Hansi Flick's plans, and the one-time “next wonderkid” at Barcelona could do with finding a new club.
Still only 22 and with time to reach his full potential, United could do worse than spend £10 million or so on him, but other left-wing targets might be safer bets.
Whisper+ verdict: 15.5/25
It's a risk United can afford to take, but they need a more reliable option, especially if Garnacho departs.
