Manchester United targets Yannick Carrasco and Christian Pulisic are ‘definitely names to look out for’, according to journalist Dean Jones.
The Red Devils are known to be in the market for attacking reinforcements ahead of September’s deadline, with Ajax’s Antony believed to be at the top of their wish list.
What is the latest news involving Man Utd?
United have been tracking Antony all summer and submitted an offer of €80 million (£67.6m) recently, but The Athletic claim it was swiftly rejected by the Amsterdam giants.
Atletico Madrid pair Joao Felix and Matheus Cunha have reportedly been priced out of a move to Old Trafford, yet one of their teammates remains on Erik ten Hag’s radar.
The Telegraph claim that Carrasco, who has two years left to run on his £150,000-per-week contract, is available for just £25.5m despite enjoying a relatively productive 2021/22 campaign.
And The Athletic’s Andy Mitten has also disclosed that Chelsea’s Pulisic is another option being considered by United, with the American international most likely to arrive on loan.
It remains to be seen whether United persist with their pursuit of Antony or move on to alternative targets, but either way, time is running out for them to strike a deal.
What has Jones said about Carrasco and Pulisic?
PSV Eindhoven’s Cody Gakpo is another attacker being considered by the 20-time English champions as they look to improve their options out wide.
But Jones believes Carrasco and Pulisic are undoubtedly players that United are contemplating making moves for.
In an interview with GiveMeSport, he said: “Joao Felix is probably one that is almost impossible now, but I think Carrasco and Pulisic are definitely names to look out for if United don’t land their top targets.”
Would Carrasco and Pulisic be good signings?
Carrasco registered six goals and seven assists in 44 appearances across all competitions for Atleti last term, but his underlying numbers were perhaps even more eye-catching.
As per FBref, the Belgium international ranked in the 99th percentile for touches in the attacking penalty area, completed dribbles, and progressive passes received, 98th for non-penalty expected goals, and 97th for total shots and shot-creating actions amongst his positional peers over the last year.
Meanwhile, Pulisic, who also earns £150,000-per-week, has racked up 44 goal contributions in 118 outings for Chelsea, highlighting his proven quality in the Premier League.
Both Carrasco and Pulisic have the potential to be valuable additions to United’s attack and could prove to be astute acquisitions if Ten Hag is unable to lure Antony to the club.