da pixbet： The cryptic “mystery” forward comment made by Louis van Gaal during pre-season preparations raised eyebrows at the time. Amid links with some high-profile players, LVG threw a curveball out there, claiming that the player he wanted was not one being talked about in the media. Intriguing.
da bet vitoria： Pedro emerged as the star many thought he was talking about, but with the Spaniard now effectively a Chelsea player amid suggestions the Red Devils pulled out of a deal, there is a certain level of doubt as to whether or not the Barcelona hero was ever the option Van Gaal was alluding to.
Perhaps even more intriguing are the Sadio Mane links, with reports claiming that interest in the Southampton attacker is genuine. Although not an orthodox forward, much like Pedro, could he be the “mystery” man the Dutch tactician spoke of? Maybe, and here are FIVE reasons he could be the perfect shock signing…
Pace, pace and more pace
“We’re not on schedule to be champions because we need speed and creativity at the front,
“Whether we can win the title in the next two seasons is dependable if we can buy players with speed and creativity.
“The hardest decisions are always which players you buy and which have to go. We know the Premier League is different to all the other leagues and players have to adapt.”
The words of Louis van Gaal himself speaking during the club’s pre-season. It’s fair to say that the Dutchman has a point, with his United side often ponderous last season, especially in the final third. Although talented players, Juan Mata, Robin van Persie, Radamel Falcao and, to an extent, Wayne Rooney are not blessed with pace, which was often an issues, especially against the bigger clubs.
Of course half of the aforementioned names have been moved on and Memphis Depay’s arrival has boosted the average speed score (if there is such a thing) within the United ranks, but Mane would offer yet another outlet. The Senegal international is lightening fast, and his presence on the opposite flank to Memphis would give LVG the chance to stretch teams away from home and counter-attack with lightening pace.
Although by no means as talented as Carlos Tevez, Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo were in the pomp, Depay, ‘Wazza’ and Mane could be a lethal front three.
Ambition
Mane is an ambitious character. He opted to leave Red Bull Salzburg after they failed to reach last season’s Champions League group stage, and he’s likely to have been effected by the exits of key men such as Morgan Schneiderlin and Nathaniel Clyne this summer.
Early season form at St Mary’s has been far from encouraging, so, perhaps, Mane could be inclined to force a move to United.
Premier League experience
Schneiderlin’s success so far under LVG – albeit it’s very, very early in the season – is encouraging. The Frenchman has settled into the club’s midfield, while, perhaps, the glamour signing, Bastian Schweinsteiger, has had to come on from the bench late in games. Fitness issues may be a reason for this, but it seems that Van Gaal does have faith in players with Premier League experience, as has been shown by the reluctance to go out and spend big on a centre-back.
Mane may only have one season in England under his belt, but 10 goals in that time – including the Prem’s fastest ever hat-trick – suggests that he’s made the adaptation already.
Schneiderlin link
On two fronts a link between Schneiderlin and Mane is worth considering. The pair played together well as the Saints impressed last season, so there is already a natural understanding on the pitch, which is encouraging.
Further to this, the pair could help one another off the pitch with the duo sure to have socialised during their spell in Southampton. Having an ex-team-mate would around would help Mane, while Schneiderlin’s ability to settle in Manchester could also be boosted.
Tactical flexibility
Although a winger, not the forward Van Gaal spoke of, Mane can play in almost every role in the final third. He’s been used as a ‘No.10’ in both Premier League matches so far this season, while his pace leaves him at home on either flank, but perhaps most intriguingly he has been used as a striker in the past.
With Red Bull Salzburg he stepped into the role and appears to be tailor-made to work in tandem with another centre-forward. A Rooney and Mane partnership? Maybe…