Paul Parker has urged Manchester United to sign Leeds star Raphinha this summer in order to add dynamism to their attack.
Raphinha, 26, has performed well in the Premier League since arriving at Elland Road from Rennes in 2020 and has emerged as a top target for Barcelona.
Meanwhile, the Red Devils want to make additions to their squad following a disappointing season which saw them finish in sixth place in the Premier League and without a trophy.
Parker, the former United star, believes new manager Erik ten Hag should join Barcelona in the race to sign Raphinha, with the club’s current forwards under-performing.
Speaking to BonusCodeBets, he said: ‘Now, he’s (Raphinha) not a centre-forward, he’s a wide player, he’s creative.
‘He plays off the cuff. He improvises. So, I would say that he’s everything that Manchester United are about.
‘When you look at Manchester United wide players, none of them have really done a lot. Only one player has really made an impact as a wide player, but he is inexperienced and he needs to be working with better quality players, more honest players, more professional senior pros, and that’s (Anthony) Elanga.
‘Raphinha would be a very, very good signing for Man Utd – it makes sense.’
Despite Leeds flirting with relegation last term, Raphinha was one of their brightest players, scoring 11 goals in 35 appearances.
Two years ago, the Brazilian was signed by Leeds for a fee believed to be £17million but, according to reports, could now cost as much as double that figure.
United already have the likes of Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Elanga to choose from on the wings, so Ten Hag may decide to prioritise other areas this summer.
Last season, United’s midfield was heavily criticised and they have been linked with moves for Wolves’ Ruben Neves and West Ham’s Declan Rice.
Meanwhile, a new centre-forward is also thought to be high up on Ten Hag’s list, with Benfica’s Darwin Nunez said to be under consideration.
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