Manchester United target £18m “future Ballon d’Or winner” as Nkunku alternative

Manchester United are reportedly eyeing a move for Lyon wonderkid Rayan Cherki as an alternative to Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku. The 21-year-old French talent is said to be available for just £18 million this month.

With United’s attacking options looking thin following injuries and poor form, manager Ruben Amorim is keen to bolster his forward line before the transfer window closes. While Nkunku has been linked with a loan move to Old Trafford, Cherki represents a potentially more exciting long-term option.

Described as a “generational talent” with “Ballon d’Or potential”, Cherki has impressed for Lyon this season with 13 goal contributions in 24 appearances across all competitions. The versatile attacker can play across the forward line or as an attacking midfielder.

Comparing Cherki’s stats to Nkunku’s over the past two seasons, the Lyon man comes out on top in several key attacking metrics:

– Progressive passes per 90: Cherki 8.37 vs Nkunku 3.09
– Progressive carries per 90: Cherki 4.60 vs Nkunku 1.75
– Shot-creating actions per 90: Cherki 6.22 vs Nkunku 3.29
– Successful take-ons: Cherki 56.8% vs Nkunku 33.3%

While Nkunku is the more prolific goalscorer, Cherki appears to be the more creative all-round attacker. At just 21 years old, he also has significant potential for further development.

With Nkunku struggling with injuries this season and reportedly available for over £50 million, Cherki could prove to be a smarter investment at less than half the price. United will need to move quickly though, with Liverpool also said to be interested in the French starlet.