Jonathan David (Getty Images)
According to Daily Mail, Manchester United are among several Premier League clubs watching Gent forward Jonathan David with a view to snap him in the summer.
United are set to face stiff competition for David as clubs like Arsenal, Leicester City and Everton are also interested in him, as per the report. The youngster is valued at £18m by his club after an impressive two seasons in Belgium.
David, 20, moved to Gent from Canadian outfit Ottawa International Soccer club in 2018 and was promoted to the senior-team that summer. After contributing with 14 goals and 5 assists in his debut season, he has with the same form into this campaign.
In 37 games across all competitions, he has scored 22 goals and provided 10 assists and has been impressive for Gent. And therefore, it would be safe for United to go for the youngster in the summer.
The Red Devils have endured a mixed season so far and are currently 5th in the league standings after back-to-back victories against Chelsea and Watford. Although they recently succumbed to a 1-1 draw against Everton, they have improved themselves in defensive situations as they have kept 17 clean sheets in all competitions so far.
However, the same cannot be said of their attacking unit. Marcus Rashford scored 14 goals before he got injured and apart from him, no one has performed at the same level. Frenchman Anthony Martial has 10 goals and Mason Greenwood has scored 5. In total, United have notched just 41 goals, which is the lowest among the top six teams in the league table.
United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer must look to strengthen his attacking options in the summer as nothing can be said of Odion Ighalo’s permanent move to Old Trafford. Hence, Jonathan David would be a viable backup option for the Red Devils.
The 20-year-old is predominantly an attacking midfielder but his versatility of playing on the wings and in a centre-forward role would surely benefit the manager. Bruno Fernandes and Andreas Pereira are the only two attacking midfielders and the Brazilian is completely out of form. Juan Mata has also received limited game time.
David would definitely provide United with the much-needed extra goals if he is able to reproduce the same form, he has shown this season. He is young and would be the right person to partner with Rashford in others’ absence.
The Canadian international is in the form of his life and United can enjoy his qualities if they make a move for him. He is just 20 and has a lot more to offer for quite a long time. Therefore, Solskjaer must make a prompt attempt and lure him to England.
