Manchester United hit stumbling block in race to sign 23-year-old Bundesliga star: Reports
Manchester United have reportedly suffered a blow in their attempts to sign Victor Boniface in January. The striker is focused on Bayer Leverkusen and wants to continue under Xabi Alonso.
Manchester United have struggled for goals this season. They have scored just 13 goals in 12 games in the Premier League, with only three teams scoring fewer. Their main strikers Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have scored just one goal each in the league. Hence, United have been linked with a number of strikers in the transfer market.
As per Fichajes.net (via The Hard Tackle), Manchester United are interested in signing Victor Boniface. In fact, they are looking for a potential January move but the striker is set to reject their advances. He is focused on Bayer Leverkusen and wants to continue with the German side.
Boniface, 23, joined Leverkusen from Union Saint-Gilloise last summer. He contributed 21 goals and 10 assists in 34 games across competitions last season as they won the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal without losing a single game. He has scored eight goals and assisted one in 15 games this season.
Chelsea are also interested in signing him and have also sent scouts to watch him. While a January move is ruled out, he could be open to a summer move is Xabi Alonso leaves Bayer Leverkusen. Boniface's contract is set to expire in 2028 and as per Transfermarkt, his market value is €45 million.
Rio Ferdinand left unimpressed by Manchester United target in UCL display
Manchester United have been linked with a move for Viktor Gyokeres and the rumors grew after Ruben Amorim was appointed their new manager. However, United legend Rio Ferdinand wants to see more from the Swedish striker to convince him that he could be a success in the Premier League.
After Arsenal beat Sporting CP 5-1 in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, November 26, the Manchester United legend said (via Mirror):
“His strengths played into the strengths of the two central defenders he was up against and that’s what he’d find in the Premier League week in week out. Two big strong centre halves the majority of the time. Can he deal with them?
“It wasn’t until Gabriel went off that he actually got a bit of joy against Kiwior, a player who’s not as big and not as strong. These two centre halve are the best as a partnership and they didn’t give him an ounce the whole game. He’s been crucifying teams in those areas running the channels, these guys look supremely comfortable in doing that.
“Have I seen enough to say he can come to the Premier League and be a success? I’m not saying he wouldn’t, but I’m saying you’d need to see more than what we saw today.”
Gyokeres failed to find the back of the net, had five shots, completed 2/7 dribbles, and won just 3/12 duels against Arsenal. Overall, he's recorded 24 goals and four assists in 20 games across competitions this season.
