Forget £100m Raphinha: Man United can save themselves millions by signing top class alternative winger in January

Manchester United returned to winning ways against Sunderland in their latest Premier League outing before the international break. They beat the Black Cats 2-0 at Old Trafford. Mason Mount and Benjamin Sesko got their goals as they secured a useful three points.

Ruben Amorim continues to feel the pressure following his side’s slow start to the new season. The North West giants are positioned in 10th place in the table after their first seven fixtures. Next up is a tricky away trip to Anfield to play Liverpool on Sunday 19th October.

Manchester United need to swerve Raphinha offer

United have wasted too much money over recent years and need to be more cautious with their money in the next few transfer windows. They have been linked with a £100m offer for Barcelona winger Raphinha, as per Spanish news outlet Fichajes. However, they need to steer clear of that particular deal and pursue someone else.

With that in mind, Valencia wide-man Diego Lopez should be pursued by the Red Devils as a cheaper alternative. At the age of 23, he has plenty of time ahead of him and bags of potential to get better down the line. He would be a shrewd long-term addition and someone who the club can develop in the future.

Lopez, who is a former Spain youth international, would cost a lot less than Raphinha and has also been catching the eye in La Liga over recent times. He is under contract at the Mestella until 2029 so a fee would be needed to lure him away from his native country. However, he won’t be as expensive as Raphinha.

The Turon-born man had spells with the likes of Figueiredo, Xeitosa, Sporting Gijon, Real Madrid and Barcelona as a youngster. He finally settled with Valencia in 2021 after joining after two years at Camp Nou. The forward initially broke into their B team as a teenager.

Lopez made the step up into the first-team in 2022 and hasn’t looked back since. He has become one of their most prized assets and they could face a battle to keep hold of him now amid expected attention from elsewhere. He has scored 18 goals in 98 outings in all competitions to date, nine of which came in the last campaign.

Fabio Lopez would be worth a gamble by Manchester United

United delved into the market over the summer to freshen up their attacking department with acquisitions like Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbuemo. Lopez would further compliment what they already have at their disposal in that area. In addition, it could free up someone like Joshua Zirkzee to head out the exit door for a new challenge somewhere else.

If the Red Devils landed Lopez, he would add more competition and depth to their options in attack. That would come in handy when they eventually get back into a European competition and their workload increases. In addition, he would inject more quality into their side which is something that they have been lacking of late.

Amorim continues to feel the heat despite their much needed victory over Sunderland. The hierarchy will have a big decision to make regarding his future if they can’t start to consistently find some results. Supporters could start to grow increasingly frustrated if they aren’t able to rise up the league table over the coming weeks and months.

Their upcoming opponents Liverpool won the title last term under the guidance of Arne Slot. They are aiming to do the same again this time around but face strong competition from Arsenal. They were beaten 2-1 away at Chelsea last time out so will be looking to bounce back against United.