Young Benfica striker Darwin Nunez is set to make a move to Liverpool with the deal all but done between the two sides. In his latest column for CaughtOffside, Fabrizio Romano has revealed why Manchester United, who briefly popped up as rivals for Nunez’s signature, backed out of the deal.
Why Manchester United Decided Not to Sign Darwin Nunez
Different Strategies
New manager Erik ten Hag was keen to sign the striker but understands why the club missed out as “spending a €100 million package for the 22-year-old risked compromising the club’s strategies”.
Manchester United were in contact with Nunez’s representatives but saw €70 million as a much fairer price than what Liverpool have ended up paying.
Manchester United are on the lookout for a striker but their moves will depend on other transfers.
Is He Worth €100 Million?
After spending a season in the Spanish second division with Almeria, Nunez was signed by Portuguese giants Benfica. Nunez’s first season at the club was somewhat rocky as he only scored 14 goals in 44 games but this past campaign he turned into a goalscoring machine.
Nunez finished last season with an impressive total of 34 goals in 41 appearances, with netting 26 times in 28 league games. His 6 goals in 10 European outings show an ability to score even at the highest level. At just 22 years of age, Nunez was one of Europe’s top marksmen last season and deservedly attracted attention from some major clubs.
Young goalscorers do not come around every year, Manchester United not valuing Nunez and passing on him will be an interesting decision. If Nunez hits the ground running in Liverpool and continues to contribute goals then the red side of Manchester will be left with egg on their face once again.
If Nunez joins the long list of youngsters who never fulfilled their potential then the decision not to pursue this expensive risk will become a stroke of genius.
