Manchester United’s big issue this season has been scoring goals. Marcos Leonardo was an option the club could have taken up.
Brazilian striker Marcos Leonardo has been building a reputation over the past year as a star of the future and a player ready-made to make an impact in European football.
Calcio Mercato first linked Manchester United with a move in October 2022, and last summer The Mail reported the club were continuing to keep tabs on him.
A regular goalscorer in Brazil and available on the cheap, there was a lot to like, and when Benfica snapped him up in January there was little surprise.
The Portuguese club have become renowned for their smart transfer business. Manchester United will probably come knocking in a few years when his transfer value has rocketed.
Marcos Leonardo makes instant impact
Marcos Leonardo made an instant impact for Benfica, scoring on his debut at the weekend against Rio Ave.
He took just 18 minutes to find the scoresheet, coming on as a second half substitute, connecting with a header.
He was praised after the match with manager Roger Schmidt telling Mais Futebol: “I’m very happy for him. It’s a big step to come to Europe and to a big club, and to be able to score a goal on your debut… he’s happy and so are we. In training he has already shown that he is a forward with a lot of quality. He felt like he was ready to play, I’m happy about that.”
He also added that he likes Leonardo’s versatility, adding: “He is a player who can play alongside another striker. It is possible to play with two strikers.”
This is the kind of tactical versatility which could have been useful to Manchester United, amid a desire to support Rasmus Hojlund.
Smart transfer business essential
There was a lot to like about Manchester United signing Rasmus Hojlund last summer. This was a case where the club signed a quality young player with high potential, who could become a star for years to come.
The problem was, in typical United fashion, the club paid a premium price, a £64 million fee. This left little room for other cheaper deals.
United need to be smarter in the market, to sign the likes of Marcos Leonardo when their price tags are in the region of the £15.5 million Benfica paid Santos to sign him earlier this month.
He could be set to play alongside one Manchester United player, with Alvaro Fernandez set to clinch a loan deal for Benfica imminently.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/f1mnOHM