The 2024-25 season is in full swing in Europe's top five leagues, with players often performing and some transfer rumours mixed in. Earlier, according to TEAMtalk, Manchester United were interested in Karim Adeyemi, who are ahead of Liverpool in the race for players. It is reported that the Borussia Dort winger is the top target of Manchester United's sporting director Dan Ashworth.
To be honest, the scandal between Manchester United and the striker at this time is puzzling. At the moment, there is no shortage of people in Manchester United's forward line, and this summer's signing of Zirkze can play as a central striker or on the wing, plus Hojlen, Rashford, Garnacho, Amad Diallo and Antony, Adeyemi's arrival will only intensify the competition for the attack. But next summer it could be different, with Antony likely to leave and other strikers such as Marcus Rashford to be involved in the departure rumours. Therefore, it cannot be ruled out that Manchester United's uniform team will find a winger for next summer window in advance.
Adeyemi had impressive stats at Red Bull Salzburg, scoring 33 goals and providing 24 assists in 94 games, attracting the attention of teams in Europe's top five leagues, and Dort paid €30 million to sign him in the summer of 2022. However, the development after that was not as expected, with 9 goals and 5 assists in 32 games in the first season, and was once reduced to a substitute last season, and finally scored 5 goals and 2 assists in 19 starts in 34 games. But there are signs of an explosion this season, with two goals and one assist in four starts in the first five league games, plus five goals in three games at Germany Under-21, meaning Adeyemi has scored seven goals and provided one assist in his last eight games, and his form is very hot.
So are Adeyemi's technical characteristics right for Manchester United? The German attacker impressed most with his speed and explosiveness. He was able to pick up quickly in a short period of time, break through defences, and especially show great threat on counter-attacks. This makes him a nightmare for opposition defences, especially when facing large spaces. In addition, Adeyemi has good dribbling skills, especially on the wing and in one-on-one duels. He likes to break through opponents with quick foot movements and changes of direction, and can often get away from defenders with dexterous movements.
In addition, Adeyemi's ability is very versatile and can play in multiple positions. Although Adeyemi mainly plays as a left winger, he can also play as a central striker as well as a right winger. His technical traits allow him to be a threat in a variety of positions, whether it's cutting inside or creating chances for his team-mates. In addition to his attacking ability, Adeyemi has also shown aggressiveness on the defensive end. He is often involved in high pressure up front, creating pressure for opponents and helping the team to counter-attack in the opposition half.
It can be seen that Adeyemi's joining Manchester United can directly improve the position of left winger, posing a threat to the positions of Rashford and Garnacho. But the technical style of these three players is very similar, they are all fast and the technical sophistication is average. Marcus Rashford and Garnacho were basically fast and difficult to pass, and Adeyemi's first touch was also on the low side. However, Adeyemi's counter-attacking enthusiasm up front also suits Ten Hag's need for high pressing, at least in terms of attitude, which is better than Rashford.
Therefore, Adeyemi is not suitable for the current Manchester United. He's a great fit for a team that can play quick counter-attacks, while Ten Hag is aiming to play in the ball and play in possession at Manchester United, and he needs the kind of wide player who can break through with the ball and can also play. The signing of Adeyemi would not give a substantial boost to United's forward line, and such a signing would make little sense. In addition, it is not easy to make a deal with Dort, Adeyemi is worth 28 million, and the price tag will not be less than 60 million if Manchester United wants to buy, and Manchester United can have a better choice at this price.