Manchester United have had a season of nightmares and more trouble could be in sight with fixtures against Arsenal, Newcastle, Brighton and Manchester City still to come. Yet eyes are already drifting towards the end of the season. Manchester City will be looking to retool across the board and so we caught up with former defender Paul Parker who delved into rumours linking United with Bayer Leverkusen right back Jeremie Frimpong and Barcelona winger Raphinha.
Parker questions Frimpong’s defensive aptitude for life in the Premier League
Jeremie Frimpong has had a season to remember with Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen. A season he will never forget. A season full of goals, assists and contributions to one of the most unlikely league champions in recent times. Frimpong has been linked with a £34m move to United who currently have Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan Bissaka as right back options but still seems as though they would be open to recruiting the dutchman this summer.
“Bayer’s tactical approach means Frimpimg doesn’t really play as a right back. He’s virtually a wing back. That doesn’t work in the Prem. You need players that can do a job. You want him to be a full back and defend first”, says Parker.
“Is he good in possession? Yes. Can he play as a winger? Yes. But the main thing is can he defend?
“I’m not sure. Bringing a player from Dortmund or Bayern would be better. They would fit better based on the way those two teams play compared to Bayer.
From the right back position Frimpong has scored 14 goals and has ten assists to his name having played a whooping 43 games across all competitions. Parker is dubious on Frimpong’s ability to defend and how this will pan out in the Premier League if he were to join the Red Devils.
“Bayer’s players will be mentioned with big clubs. Especially the Premier League which is the best paying league in the world. It’s not the best league in the world but it’s the best paying league. I don’t get the vibe that he can defend.”
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Raphinha to replace fellow Brazilian Antony at United?
Reports in Spain suggest that Spanish giants Barcelona could be willing to consider offers for the majority of their squad this summer with one of their stars in Raphinha said on the chopping block. The 27-year-old left Leeds United to join the Catalan giants but has failed to live up to the expectations having had a good first period in the Premier League. Reports also suggest that Tottenham, Arsenal and Cheslea are also interested but Parker seems quite happy for United to miss out on the Brazilian star.
“Raphinha comes and plays inside a lot. He didn’t really suit Leeds even though the fans liked him because he offered something different.
“He wants to cut in all the time. It’s very repetitive. He reminds me of a younger version of Di Maria. Both lefties but he’s quicker.
“All the wide today want to cut inside and shoot. How many wide players are there that play on the side of their stronger foot?
“They’re the type of wingers that would make a difference in today’s game. Wingers today like Saka want to do the same thing.”
With the current trend in football being for wingers to play on the opposite side of their stronger foot and cutting inside, traditional wingers from yesteryear who would go down the line to bombard the opposition with crosses has decimated Parker uses Arsenal star Bukayo Saka as an example of the apparent predictable nature of wingers in todays game.
“Teams then can’t be compact. Look at Saka. He wants to do the same thing all the time. Barca are just grabbing everything that’s cheap at the moment.
“It’s difficult with wide players today. People only look at numbers but numbers only work for sports that aren’t subjective. With football it’s about watching the game.
“Judging a player because they have nine goals and nine assists but where’s the action? Does the winger track back the other way?”
Marc Guehi a better option than Maguire for England
As the season slowly grinds to a half with four games to go, eyes will also be gearing towards the 2024 Euro Championships. And eyes will be on the squad selection from manager Gareth Southgate. Parker doesn’t hold back on some of the United players that could be part of Southgate’s plans.
“It would be madness for Gareth Southgate to take Luke Shaw. He’s played no football. He’s barely played over the last five years. He starts blocking people and pulling people when the game isn’t going his way because he doesn’t do the hard work.
“You can’t take Luke Shaw. Chilwell has hardly played either. You don’t know if he’s going to stay fit.
“But you may find that if they are picked for England they’ll fight through the pain knowing the rewards if they win.
“Southgate will pick Maguire even though Marc Guehi is a better left sided centre half. He’s only playing at United because Martinez is out injured.”
Mainoo needs a break claims Parker
One of the United players that has enjoyed a fine debut season in the first team has been midfielder Kobbie Mainoo who recently made his debut in England’s recent International break. Mainoo’s performances in recent weeks have had a drop in the levels he displayed a few months back. Parker belives Mainoo will benefit from a long break this summer rather than having to travel with Harry Kane and co.
“Kobbie? I don’t think England can take him. There are players that have done better. Since he made his debut for England he’s struggled a bit so picking him means he won’t be starting and you’re taking him away for a month when he probably needs a break.
“It could be better for him to have some down time and be with his mates rather than walking around a hotel.
“Rashford can’t go either. He hasn’t done enough. No way can he go. He can’t. If Southgate sticks by his word when he took over he should be picking players on form. You can’t take Rashford.”
