What could Alassane Plea’s goal for Manchester United inform?

Reports have emerged linking Manchester United to a move for Borussia forward Moenchengladbach Alassane Plea.

The German newspaper Express claims that Plea is among a group of strikers considered by United this summer.

Here’s a rundown of what you need to know about Alassane Plea …

• Plea is 27 years old and signed with ‘Gladbach in 2018 from Nice. He scored 12 times last season and has eight goals in 20 starts this season. In Nice he scored 21 goals in 2017/18 to win a move to the Bundesliga.
• Plea has been limited by France once, in a friendly victory over Uruguay in 2018.
• He is a striker but he can also play wide. Transfermarkt notes that he has made 133 appearances in his career as a forward, 36 from the left wing and 35 from the right wing. This helps with the creative side of your game; He has seven assists so far this season, and also the defensive end.
• Plea told Bundesliga.com: “I often played on the left wing and that is not a problem for me, it is about being a modern forward. I love giving everything for the team and also having to do the dirty work.”
• He almost moved to the Premier League before. Footmercato reported that Mauricio Pochettino tried to sign him for Tottenham in 2018. BILD reported last month that Barcelona is also interested.
• Plea promises part of his salary to Common Goal, a charity initiative created by Juan Mata.

What they say about him

Manager Gladbach manager Marco Rose told Bundesliga.com: “I have never seen such a high quality grade. If you are shot in or around the penalty area, you can almost prepare to celebrate.”

This goal that Plea scored against Mainz this season was quite unique. He managed to throw the ball into the net with his foot still.

Where would I fit in United?

If United are looking for an undisputed first-choice striker who can reach 30 goals per season, it is not Alassane Plea.

But if the criteria is to sign a younger and more versatile alternative to Odion Ighalo, then Plea is a good choice as a squad player, who will help rather than hinder Mason Greenwood’s long-term development.

United needs another striker, but funds may be more limited if most of the money is spent on Jadon Sancho.

Plea’s ability to play either right or left makes him a versatile option, and certainly gives us more coverage in the event of another Marcus Rashford injury.

At the right price, if bach Gladbach needs to charge, it could be a good addition to the team. Around £ 30 million may be a fair fee, which would give your club a profit of £ 10 million on the fee they paid two years ago.