Jose Mourinho has explained why Manchester United must look to sign one player he believes can emulate the successes of Raphaël Varane amid Rúben Amorim’s hunt for new defenders.
Manchester United are expected to be active in the summer transfer window as Rúben Amorim looks to rebuild his defence following a season of instability at the back.
January saw the arrivals of Ayden Heaven from Arsenal and Patrick Dorgu from Lecce, offering a glimpse of the club’s long-term planning. But with Lisandro Martínez sidelined until November, defensive reinforcements remain a key priority.
Changes are also coming in terms of outgoings. Victor Lindelöf will leave when his contract expires in June, and Jonny Evans is also likely to depart.
Uncertainty surrounds Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia as well. Shaw has been out of action for nearly a year due to injury, while Malacia, currently on loan at PSV, is not part of Amorim’s future plans.
United targeting Fenerbahce wonderkid
With Amorim wanting to bring in fresh defenders to replace the departing Lindelöf and Evans and United looking to sign young players they can develop, the club have been linked with a host of talent across Europe.
According to Turkish outlet Fanatik, United are one of many players tracking Fenerbahce 19-year-old Yusuf Akcicek, who has been making waves across the Turkish Super Lig with stunning performances for his club.
Akcicek has also already made his debut for the Turkish national team, coming off the bench in a recent victory against Hungary in the Nations League last week.
While Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce are desperate to keep hold of the defender and are engaging in talks over a long-term contract, Bayern Munich, Napoli, Atletico Madrid, and RB Leipzig are all circling alongside United.
However, it is also stated that should a big-money offer arrive for the Turkish talent this month, the Istanbul-based club could be swayed in departing with their beloved player.
Mourinho raves over Akcicek’s talents
Former United boss Mourinho recently admitted that he feels Akcicek has the potential to emulate former Old Trafford and Real Madrid defender Raphaël Varane.
After a recent performance against Galatasaray that saw the two sides battle out a 0-0 stalemate, Mourinho explained he feels Akcicek can become a “perfect” player, clearly mapping out why United should test the waters for the teenager.
“If he doesn’t go well, you will kill me,” Mourinho explained to the press. “I know how it works. To play the kid in a match like that, I’m sorry for the word, but he saved my ass.
“He was amazing. I’m very proud of him, I trust him. He’s not perfect but he will be perfect.
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“I don’t want to compare him to Varane because he has won four Champions Leagues, World Cup and won everything. But I played Varane when he was 18 and I was not wrong. And I’m not wrong with this kid. [He has a] big personality and is very confident.”
Varane only spent three seasons at Old Trafford but became a fan-favourite for his “Rolls Royce” type performances as well as personality both on and off the field.
Although many have touted Leny Yoro as the heir to Varane’s throne both at United and with France, Mourinho’s high praise for Akcicek should motivate United to at least attempt to bring in the Turkish international this summer.
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