Abdoulaye Doucoure has been one of the best players in Watford's squad (Getty Images)
According to Bleacher Report, Manchester United have been linked with a move for Watford midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure after the Frenchman admitted he is open to a move in the summer.
Doucoure, 27, came through the youth ranks of Stade Rennes and joined Watford in February 2016. He was immediately sent on loan for half a season to Granada, where he featured regularly and provided 2 assists in 15 games.
Though he struggled for game time with the Hornets on his return, he has become an integral part of the team in the last three seasons. He finished the 2017-18 season with 7 goals and 4 assists despite mainly featuring as a defensive midfielder and backed it up with 5 goals and 6 assists in the following campaign.
The Frenchman has taken his game to the next level this season and has put in the hard work despite the team’s lack of consistency. He is known for his work ethics on the field and therefore, United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer should look to take him on board in the summer.
The Red Devils have made a huge turnaround in their performance in the latter stages of the campaign. They have extended their unbeaten streak to 11 games in all competitions after the 5-0 thumping victory over LASK midweek in the Europa League Round of 16.
However, the Norwegian tactician should make some important changes to the squad if his side are to compete at a higher level next season. United have only three central midfielders in their ranks in Paul Pogba, Scott McTominay and Fred. While Pogba and McTominay were absent for a larger part of the campaign, the Brazilian midfielder took to the field regularly without a proper backup.
Nemanja Matic too struggled for form before rising to the occasion. But the Serbian has extended his contract and is set to stay for just one more year. Therefore, the manager should look to bring in reinforcements to the midfield area and Abdoulaye Doucoure would be a viable option for the Red Devils, given the form he has shown this season.
The 27-year-old has featured in all of Watford’s league games except for one, in which he was suspended. In the process, he has scored 4 goals and 2 assists, and has developed himself well.
He is capable of operating as an anchor and also in an advanced position, and could be the one to succeed Matic, who is in his 30s. Doucoure was in sublime form when the Hornets became the first team this season to beat Liverpool in the league.
And if he is able to reproduce such performances for United, he would be a valuable asset to the team and Solskjaer would succeed in sorting the midfield dilemma for a few years.
Now that United have bought Bruno Fernandes, they should make sure they get enough support for the Portuguese in the midfield. And Doucoure’s abilities could come in handy for the manager.
Therefore, the Red Devils must make sure they lure the 27-year-old to Old Trafford in the summer and add depth to their squad.
