Why Faitout Maouassa can offer Manchester United more options in defence
According to The Sun, Manchester United are in the race to land £10million-rated Rennes youngster Faitout Maouassa.
The versatile left-back has been earning rave reviews in France after helping his side to third place in the Ligue 1 table. Despite being just 21 years old, Maouassa has become an ever-present member of Rennes squad, making 23 appearances in the league this season.
He has also scored three goals, signifying his worth in Julien Stephan’s squad. Maouassa’s talent was obvious back in 2017 when he joined Rennes from rival side AS Nancy.
A young Maouassa went on to play 19 league games that season, giving a fair idea of his potential. However, Rennes decided to send him on loan to Ligue 1 side Nimes, where he excelled by making 30 appearances across all competitions.
Maouassa was a mainstay in the Rennes back-line as they finished one spot ahead of his parent club that season. This soon made Rennes call back their young prodigy in the following summer and it seems to have reaped its dividends.
From being 10th in the league last season, Rennes have seen a drastic improvement by climbing to 3rd in the standings this term. Maouassa has played a vital role in it. He has been a part of the back-line that has the joint second-best defensive record in the league.
Having conceded 24 goals from 28 matches, they are on level terms with leaders PSG. Only Reims (21), have conceded fewer goals than them.
Maouassa can offer Manchester United variety on the left
Meanwhile, United have two-left backs in Luke Shaw and teenager Brandon Williams. Despite joining the club in 2014, Shaw has failed to nail down the left-back spot. The Englishman’s career has mostly been hampered by injuries.
Williams, on the other hand, has had a breakthrough season, making 27 appearances across all competitions. Considering the number of games Williams has played this season, he is certain to feature in manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s plans next season. However, he is just 19 and lacks experience.
Hence, Maouassa’s arrival at Old Trafford will only make them stronger at the back. What makes Maouassa even more special is his versatility. His flexibility to adapt to any role has seen him often being used on the flanks as a winger or as a left midfielder.
In his 54 games for Rennes, he has played 22 times as a left-back and 7 times as a left midfielder. He has featured as a winger across both flanks too and this would be of help to Solskjaer, as he only has star player Marcus Rashford in that role. Hence, it would be better if the Red Devils can bring the young and talented full-back to Old Trafford.
Read more:
- Why Manchester United should keep their eyes off Nelson Semedo
- Why Manchester United should end their pursuit of James Rodriguez
- Man United monitor 22-year-old Barcelona star Ousmane Dembele – Should Solskjaer rather back away from this?
Verdict
The left-back duties have been mostly shared by Shaw and Williams this season. However, Manchester United need to strengthen this position considering Shaw’s lack of consistency. Hence, signing Maouassa would be a smart move by the Red Devils.
