Premier League action has now ceased in preparation for this weekend’s FA Cup third-round matches. After an absolutely miserable first half of the season, Manchester United can finally assess their standing in the top tier.

Even though the Red Devils are currently in eighth place, nine points outside of the top four, and ahead of arch rivals Liverpool by 14 points at the top, they are still ahead of both Newcastle United and Chelsea.

There is a feeling that the season is already finished for those at Old Trafford after they also lost badly in the Champions League and Carabao Cup. Fans are undoubtedly looking forward to the summer and the opportunity to start over under the new Sir Jim Ratcliffe administration.

Premier League Manchester United Jayden Addai Antony Rasmus Hojlund
As the campaign nears its conclusion, it is difficult to see where Erik ten Hag’s team can improve; nonetheless, the January transfer window could serve as motivation, with the goal of bolstering their numbers in crucial areas.

With only Burnley and Sheffield United having scored less goals in the entire division, the forward line is particularly in need of surgery. That is some sombre reading.

Alejandro Garnacho, who has scored three goals and provided three assists in his previous three league games, is showing signs of life, but the adolescent Argentine may use some assistance, which is why the club appears to be interested in Johan Bakayoko of PSV Eindhoven.

Johan Bakayoko’s transfer to Manchester United

According to a Boxing Day story by Sport1 journalist Christopher Michel, United is rumoured to “have their eye on” the talented Belgian winger. The 20-year-old attracted notice after a stunning debut for the unbeaten Eredivisie team in the Netherlands this season.

If the nine-cap international leaves this month, Michel reports that he may command a sum of approximately €40 million (£34 million). The young player might then follow in the footsteps of PSV alumni, Noni Madueke and Cody Gakpo, by joining the Premier League.

Prior to Gakpo’s transfer to Liverpool at this time last year, the Red Devils were reportedly interested in him. Since Anfield is also rumoured to be interested in Bakayoko, former Ajax manager Ten Hag cannot afford to lose out again.

The playing style of Johan Bakayoko

Unquestionably, United’s front line has underachieved greatly thus far in 2023–24. Players such as Rasmus Hojlund and Anthony Martial have only scored one goal each in the league, and £86 million bust Antony has not managed to register even one assist or goal across all competitions.

Since joining Ten Hag from Ajax in the summer of 2022, the latter player has consistently been selected by Ten Hag; nevertheless, there hasn’t been much to support that selection, therefore it’s urgent to find a suitable replacement on the right side.

Johan Bakayoko of PSV Eindhoven in action with Karol Mets of FC Zurich
This is where Bakayoko enters the picture. The Holland-born player is a left-footed asset who usually plays on the right wing, and he has been dominating PSV recently in that capacity.

Even though there are concerns that this signing would just be a rerun of Antony’s acquisition, who flourished in Amsterdam with 46 goals and 82 assists in 82 games at the Johan Cruyff Arena, the Belgian player appears to have far more tools than that, having been called a “absolute handful for defenders” by host Jack Collins.

Talent scout Jacek Kulig underlined the wideman’s “electric” pace and dynamism, which can wreak havoc on Premier League defences. Collins also stated that the wideman is “direct” and “dribbly,” and that he “elements Luis Diaz.”

Bakayoko has the natural unpredictable ability to beat his man with a bit of cunning or incredible speed, unlike the “one-trick pony” that is Antony. This is demonstrated by the fact that he ranks in the top 1% of his peers in leagues similar to the Eredivisie for progressive carries and the top 2% for successful take-ons, with averages of 7.52 and 3.74 per 90, respectively.

In contrast, United’s erratic Brazilian averages merely 4.10 and 1.74 for those identical two stats, providing more evidence of how soon the PSV star may be replaced in that wide right berth.

Numbers from Johan Bakayoko’s season

Marcus Rashford has only scored three goals this season on all fronts, a far cry from the guy who scored 30 goals in all competitions the previous year, even though he did score against Nottingham Forest on the weekend.

Because of this, Garnacho’s presence has put the Englishman’s starting spot on the left in jeopardy. The 19-year-old has only increased the anticipation surrounding him since he scored the overhead kick at Goodison Park back in late November.

The young player from Madrid did score twice against Aston Villa while playing from the right, but it looks that his long-term future is on the left flank, which gives Bakayoko the chance to establish himself on the other side.

For Ten Hag and company, having two such youthful, talented alternatives on the wings would be extremely intriguing. Bakayoko, in particular, has excelled this season, recording four goals and thirteen assists in just 27 games across all competitions.

The latter’s assist total highlights why he can be the man to deliver excellent passes to players like Hojlund and Martial in the closing third, while Garnacho might be more of a merciless, goal-oriented individual.

The way Bakayoko played against Arsenal (H) in the 2023–2024 Champions League

There were 74 minutes in all.

47 contacts

three important passes

5 out of 5 effective dribbles

92% passing accuracy percentage

One ‘huge chance’ was produced.

7/8 victories in ground battles

7.9 overall match score

Statistics sourced from Sofascore

This dichotomy of attributes ought to work well together, and Bakayoko—who has only played 64 senior games for his current team but already has 29 goals and 29 assists—might provide United the boost they need.

It should be more of a question of when than if the Red Devils would close a deal for a player who might not break the bank—assuming that £34 million price turns out to be accurate—and who can prove to be Garnacho’s long-term companion at the Theatre of Dreams.