Latest developments
- Manchester United want to sign Kaoru Mitoma from Brighton.
- The Red Devils see the Japanese international as a replacement for Marcus Rashford.
- Mitoma has five goal involvements in the Premier League this season.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (2/5): Little source info to go on
Man Utd's need to strengthen was plain for all to see yesterday, going down 2-0 to struggling Wolves, and the Red Devils see Brighton's Kaoru Mitoma as an answer to one of their many problems.
That is according to caughtoffside.com, who claim the Japanese is one of a handful of names identified by United to replace Marcus Rashford, though they remain quiet on their sources.
Value (3/5): Brighton will want the Rashford money
The Seagulls will be reluctant to lose Mitoma unless they get a very good price, with him under contract until 2027 and one of the first names on their team sheet.
Valued at £37.3 million, they will likely be eyeing every penny of the £50 million United are hoping to get for Rashford, which would not be the worst deal for the Mancunians.
Suitability (4/5): Top class left-winger
Mitoma is one of the best results of Brighton's data-driven approach to recruitment in recent years, taking the Premier League by storm since arriving from Japan via a loan in Belgium.
His experience will be key, as will his ability to play wide on the left of a midfield four or front three in Ruben Amorim's 3-4-3 formation as United look to rebuild.
Upgrade? (4/5): All change at left-wing?
Amorim said the door is always open for Rashford to return, but it seems the Englishman has played his final game for United.
The club's other left-winger, Alejandro Garnacho, has put up similar numbers to Mitoma in the league this season, yet he has also been left out at key times this season, leaving the place in the team very much up for grabs.
Logic (3/5): United no longer a top destination
There is plenty of logic here from United's perspective, hunting one of the best players in the league in a position they need to refresh.
But they are no longer a top destination for most players and, other than a wage increase, there seems little on offer for Mitoma, who stands a much better chance of playing in Europe next season if he stays on the south coast.
Whisper+ verdict: 16/25
A bid from United next month cannot be ruled out, but eyebrows would be raised if this came off. Deals for other targets Nico Williams and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia might be more likely.
