Transfer Talk: Scoring sensation Choupo-Moting could the the Man for Utd

Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting is on a hot streak — and Manchester United could swoop for Bayern Munich’s scoring sensation.

The Cameroon international had netted 10 goals in just 763 minutes across all competitions going into this weekend, getting on the scoresheet in seven consecutive matches during October and November.

That sensational run of form has reportedly alerted the Red Devils, who are keen to improve their attacking options this January.

Ahead of United’s final pre-World Cup fixture against Fulham, we take a look at what the former Stoke frontman would bring to Old Trafford.

‘Not a classic No9’

Despite Choupo-Moting’s goal record, Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann does not see the 33-year-old as a traditional centre forward.

Speaking after last month’s 2-0 win over Hoffenheim, he said: “[Choupo-Moting is] not really a classic No9, he plays a lot between the lines. He’s a gifted footballer, more of a No10 who can also play up front.

“We are very happy that we have him. He has the quality to be a starter, but also the quality to come off the bench.

“Choupo played a great game [against Hoffenheim] once again. He’s a great striker and we’re happy that we have him.”

Creative qualities

Choupo-Moting’s creative qualities are reflected in his open play assist numbers this term — with the attacker averaging 0.35 per 90 minutes across competitions, prior to today’s clash with Schalke.

And his propensity to drop deeper and play between the lines, as Nagelsmann suggested, is demonstrated by the number of through-balls he has been playing.

The Hamburg native had averaged 0.59 attempted through-balls per 90 in all competitions going into Matchday 15 of the Bundesliga, completing 0.47 — more than every other Bayern player.

Goal machine

It is in front of goal that Choupo-Moting has really caught the eye this term.

His 10 strikes in the Bundesliga, Champions League and DFB-Pokal saw him start the weekend as the club’s joint-second top scorer in 2022-23, level with Sadio Mane and just behind Jamal Musiala (11).

However, the 68-cap international’s strikes came at a whirlwind rate of 1.18 per 90 over that period — by far the best in Bayern’s squad.

Choupo-Moting has been particularly accurate with his shooting this season, hitting the target more often per 90 in all competitions (2.01) than any of his team-mates bar Serge Gnabry (2.02), prior to the current round of fixtures.

Overperformance

The sustainability of Choupo-Moting’s extraordinary numbers is less certain, though.

His expected goals per 90 in all competitions was just 0.54 heading into this weekend. Even accounting for the quality of his finishing by using expected goals on target, the figure still stood at 0.78.

That is a significant drop-off from what he is producing at present.

These are by no means poor numbers, though. In fact, both metrics are higher than what United’s leading scorer, Marcus Rashford, has registered in the Premier League this term.

Given more regular minutes, Choupo-Moting would surely continue adding to his goal contributions tally. However, logic suggests that the veteran forward cannot sustain his current rate for too much longer.

Deal or no deal

If United do decide to pursue their interest in Choupo-Moting, they will be boosted by the fact that his contract at Bayern expires at the end of this season.

If the player is equally keen on a move, a deal should prove relatively simple.

However, Bayern’s sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic has insisted that the club are keen to keep hold of their man and will be looking to offer the former Paris Saint-Germain striker a new deal.

He said: “We’d love to keep him [Choupo-Moting]. I’ve [got] a good relationship with his agent. We’ll meet and see if we can satisfy him. He’s a big asset for us.

“We are in contact and Choupo-Moting feels comfortable in Munich.”