Manchester United look set to finally prioritise a right back this window, with Josip Juranovic a likely target.
That is according to Jonathan Shrager, who earlier tweeted:
“Josip Juranovic features quite prominently on the shortlist of potential right backs who Manchester United may pursue in the event that Aaron Wan-Bissaka goes on loan this month.
“Max Aarons and Kyle Walker-Peters are amongst some other players believed to be included on that list.”
Josip Juranovic features quite prominently on the shortlist of potential right backs who Manchester United may pursue in the event that Aaron Wan-Bissaka goes on loan this month. Max Aarons and Kyle Walker-Peters are amongst some other players believed to be included on that list
— Jonas Hen Shrag (@JonathanShrager) August 12, 2022
If the signing of Aaron Wan-Bissaka taught United fans anything it’s that having a big shortlist of players is no guarantee for success. But it would be comforting to know that a player of Juranovic’s profile features highly in United’s considerations.
The Celtic man has only been in Glasgow for a year having made a £2.5m move from Legia Warsaw last summer.
But he has taken to the Scottish Premier League like a duck to water, even featuring in the SPL Team of the Year as Celtic did a league and cup double.
Juranovic was a solid defender last term, contributing with 7.6 ball recoveries per 90 minutes in the league.
He is also a deadly crosser of the ball with a 32.32% Crossing accuracy extremely high, especially among fullbacks.
For reference, Trent Alexander-Arnold managed 30.04% for Liverpool last season.
With Erik ten Hag dead-set on getting a physically imposing centre forward, having a crossing aficionado available at right back makes sense.
Juranovic could be a huge boon to Cristiano Ronaldo should he stay and potentially for a player like Sasa Kalajdzic should he join.
The Croatian is also comfortable in settled possession, attempting 70.6 passes per game with an accuracy of 86.39% – again bettering Alexander-Arnold’s 68 and 78.14% respectively.
While Juranovic has achieved these numbers in Scotland and would likely take a period of adaptation, his contributions have also drawn interest from the likes of Chelsea and Atletico Madrid.
With a touted price of £15m, United will need to act fast to secure his signature.
(All stats as per Squawka Comparison Matrix)
United Matchday Magazine – the online football programme
Panic stations already. A statement of intent needed. How will Ten Hag respond? The season must truly start on Saturday. Get your Brentford matchday mag now!
- Online football content like you’ve never seen before
- The mag gives you all the news, facts and features you NEED before every game
- Instantly delivered to your device with easy and secure online ordering
- Click Preview to see more or buy now for just £1.25/$1.50
- Limited time offer: SAVE 33% on a season pass – use discount code SEASON33 at checkout.
