Nico, Kvaratskhelia: Wingers United can Sign to Succeed Exiting Rashford
Manchester United Left-winger, Marcus Rashford. Photo Credit: The Mirror Online
If Marcus Rashford leaves Manchester United in the winter transfer window, the club will face a pressing need to find a replacement who not only matches his quality but also fits into manager Rúben Amorim’s tactical system. Amorim’s preference for flexible attackers, fluid positional interchanges, and high pressing means the new signing must possess the technical, physical, and mental attributes to thrive. Below is an in-depth analysis of potential replacements, examining their performances, playing styles, and suitability for Amorim’s system.
Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao)
Nico Williams has emerged as one of La Liga’s most exciting young wingers. This season (2024/25), he has contributed 6 goals and 8 assists in 15 league appearances, showcasing his ability to influence matches in the final third. His 1v1 success rate of over 60% and an average of 3.5 dribbles per game underline his effectiveness in taking on defenders.
Williams is a high-energy winger with blistering pace, technical dribbling, and excellent close control. He thrives in wide areas, using his agility to beat fullbacks and deliver dangerous crosses. His versatility also allows him to play on either flank, though he is most effective on the right, cutting inside onto his stronger left foot.
How Nico Could fit Amorim’s Tactics: Under Amorim, United employs a 3-4-3 or 4-3-3 system that relies on wide attackers to stretch defenses, press high, and create space for overlapping wing-backs or central forwards. Williams’ pace and directness would suit this perfectly, especially in counter-attacks. His willingness to track back and press makes him ideal for Amorim’s high-intensity defensive philosophy. Moreover, his creativity would compensate for the loss of Rashford’s goal contributions, while his age (22) aligns with United’s focus on developing young talents.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Napoli)
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was Serie A MVP in the 2022/23 campaign and continues to dazzle with his performances for Napoli. In the 2024/25 campaign, he registered 5 goals and 3 assists in all competitions, maintaining his reputation as a match-winner. Kvaratskhelia’s 3.8 key passes per game and 4.2 dribbles per match demonstrate his creativity and ability to dominate games.
The Georgian international is a dynamic left-winger known for his exceptional dribbling, vision, and composure in front of goal. He thrives in 1v1 situations and possesses the ability to cut inside and shoot or create chances for teammates. His unpredictability, flair, and spatial awareness make him a nightmare for defenders.
How Kvaratskhelia Could Fit in Amorim’s Tactics: Kvaratskhelia’s ability to drift centrally from the left wing would provide United with a creative outlet capable of unlocking tight defenses. His work rate and pressing intensity align well with Amorim’s high-octane approach. Additionally, his preference for cutting inside to shoot or thread passes would complement United’s overlapping full-backs, such as Luke Shaw. While his skillset mirrors Rashford’s in some ways, his superior playmaking ability could elevate United’s attacking fluidity.
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Viktor Gyökeres (Sporting CP)
Viktor Gyökeres has been in red-hot form for Sporting CP, scoring 27 goals and providing 4 assists in all competitions this season. The Swedish forward is known for his physicality and relentless work ethic, and he leads the league in progressive runs and goal contributions.
Gyökeres is a versatile forward who can play as a striker or a winger on any flank. His physical presence, hold-up play, and ability to link up with teammates make him an asset in build-up play. Despite his size, he is surprisingly quick and effective in wide areas, where he can cut inside or deliver crosses.
How Gyökeres Could fit Amorim’s Tactics: Having already worked under Amorim at Sporting, Gyökeres would seamlessly integrate into United’s setup. His ability to operate centrally or as a wide forward adds tactical flexibility. He can be used as a target man or a winger who presses high, a hallmark of Amorim’s system. While Gyökeres lacks the raw speed of Rashford, his physicality and ability to bring others into play could add a new dimension to United’s attack.
Conclusion: Who Should Replace Rashford?
Each candidate offers unique qualities, but Nico Williams and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia stand out as the best fits for Amorim’s tactics. Williams’ youth, versatility, and work ethic make him a long-term solution, while Kvaratskhelia’s creativity and goal-scoring ability could immediately elevate United’s attack.
Prediction: If United decides in the coming transfer window for a ready-made star, Kvaratskhelia would be the ideal choice. However, for a more sustainable, cost-effective option so as to avoid breaching the FFP rules and with immense potential, Nico Williams could emerge as Rashford’s successor.
