Manchester United have sounded out the possibility of signing a former Champions League winner by making an official enquiry about the availability of RB Leipzig forward Timo Werner, to improve their options in forward areas, according to Sky in Germany,
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It has been a mixed bag for the Red Devils this season with some disappointing performances mixed in with moments of brilliance, such as Alejandro’s Garnacho goal of the season contender in the 3-0 win over Everton at the weekend.
However, the good moments have been all too scarce from the forward players with Rasmus Hojlund yet to break his Premier League duck, and Marcus Rashford’s converted penalty just his second league goal in the win over Everton.
The goalscoring burden has fallen on midfielders Bruno Fernandes and Scott McTominay who have popped up with crucial goals to help keep the team in and around the European places despite an underwhelming start. However, the club appears willing to react when the January transfer window opens.
Manchester United Consider Move for Former Chelsea Forward Timo Werner
According to reports, Werner is unhappy at RB Leipzig after moving back to Germany in 2022 following a spell with Chelsea. Manchester United have made enquiries but are yet to make a formal proposal for the 27-year-old. The player, who has been capped 57 times for his country, underwhelmed in large spells while at Stamford Bridge but did manage 23 goals and 21 assists in 89 appearances for the Blues.
The quick forward showed some of the excellence that had been promised earlier in his career and provided his side with nine goals and 3 assists, in 27 appearances. Fans may have hoped for a redeeming second season but so far has only played 207 minutes across eight games. In these limited minutes, he has netted only two goals.
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Manchester United fans may question the interest in Werner, seeing as he was widely labelled a flop during his time in a blue shirt, but this may be a prudent move by the club if the deal goes through. He started as Chelsea’s main man in the 2021 Champions League final, lifting the trophy with a 1-0 victory over Manchester City.
Timo Offers Qualities that are Currently Lacking Among Manchester United’s Current Options
Excluding Alejandro Garnacho, there is a lack of versatility at present with Hojlund in the middle, Rashford is only comfortable on the left and lacks the work rate to play through the middle, and Antony a fixture on the right wing and uncomfortable beating players down the line on the left flank.
Werner, who has scored over 100 Bundesliga goals during his career, can play anywhere across the attacking positions and his work rate is second to very few. He is also comfortable holding up play and bringing others into play and his flexibility has been on show in his Bundesliga return.
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Despite losing his place to Leipzig’s in-form attacking options, he scored a winner off the bench in the win over Borussia Monchengladbach in September and netted in the recent 6-0 win over relegation candidates FC Koln. If Werner can find confidence, he could be an important asset to Manchester United.
Talksport has labelled the potential move as a “shock Premier League return” for the German striker. Despite having a challenging time since his failed move to West London, his total career goal tally stands at an impressive 135, including 24 in 57 international appearances.
Questions also remain over whether a move for the Bundesliga striker has been discussed with Sir Jim Ratcliffe, whose company INEOS are expected to seize control of the footballing operations of the Premier League club as part of a 25% takeover. The acquisition is believed to be progressing, but in the meantime, fans will wonder about the direction of the club.
