Manchester United plot €40 million move to sign 25-year-old in-form left winger: Reports
Manchester United are eyeing up a possible deal for Benfica winger Kerem Akturkoglu. According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, the Turkey international's great start to the campaign has caught the eye of scouts at Old Trafford.
The 25-year-old joined Benfica only this summer from Turkish side Galatasaray for a reported fee of €12 million. He has begun the campaign splendidly, registering six goals and five assists in 11 games across competitions.
He could be a great addition to Manchester United, who have seemed to struggle going forward at times this season. While their defense has certainly caught a lot of flak, they have scored just five goals in six league games, a key reason why they are 13th in the Premier League.
Akturkoglu primarily operates from the left flank, where Erik ten Hag has used Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho. Rashford had a difficult campaign last time but seemed to pick up some form, while Garnacho has mostly been used off the bench.
The report added that Tottenham Hotspur and Leeds United have also expressed interest in signing Akturkoglu. The Red Devils are willing to offer up to €40 million, a fee that would mark a huge profit from the price Benfica signed him in the summer.
Erik ten Hag explains the reason for substituting Manchester United star at halftime against Porto
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag claimed that providing rest to key players was why he took off Marcus Rashford after 45 minutes in their 3-3 draw against Porto on Thursday, October 3.
Speaking after the Europa League game, he said (via press conference):
“I have to watch it back and over the left side, definitely we didn’t defend well tonight. Marcus also played a part in this but as I say it had to do with Garnacho coming on – and nothing against Rashford. We have to rotate. We have a tough game on Sunday [at Villa Park] and we need players fresh.”
Rashford got on the scoresheet early in the game (7'), finding the back of the net with a low effort in the seventh minute. However, he did not come out for the second period, being replaced by Alejandro Garnacho, with the score tied at 2-2.
Although Porto made it 3-2 early in the second half, Harry Maguire came off the bench and scored a stoppage-time header to make it 3-3.