Man United can pull off brilliant signing by landing France star with 98% pass completion
Adrien Truffert's strong performance against Italy proves why he may be Man United's ideal left-back solution despite some criticism from French media.
Truffert has emerged onto the international scene with France after impressing for Bournemouth over the last 12 months.
The 24-year-old registered six goal contributions in 39 appearances for the Cherries last season following a move from Rennes.
Some fine early-season form saw him included in Zinedine Zidane's first squad as Les Bleus boss for this extended international break.
Truffert's second start of the Nations League campaign saw him impress in their 1-1 draw with Italy on Friday night.
He should be moving up on Man United's list of left-back targets despite French media questioning his all-round performance.
Adrien Truffert drew French media concerns vs Italy
Sources recently exclusively revealed to Football Insider that Man United have been regularly scouting Truffert as he impresses at Bournemouth.
The 24-year-old is a candidate to join the Red Devils in January as they look to end Michael Carrick's long chase for more competition to Luke Shaw.
Some concerns over a potential move could arise after French media doubted his latest performance against Italy.
Foot Mercato wrote: "An encouraging performance, despite a few errors he needs to iron out to really improve."
While Eurosport also questioned the Bournemouth star, saying: "He got off to a slow start and was caught out at the back for the match’s first big chance (9th minute). Overall, before the break, he struggled to keep Francesco Esposito in check.
"But he grew in confidence and covered more ground as the match went on. With greater conviction, he held his flanking position better in the second half, but we’d like to see him be even more daring in attacking situations."
Then SoFoot poked fun at him being anonymous, writing: "Everyone was proud to point out that there were seven players in the French national team who had come through the ranks at Rennes. Obviously, no one had thought of Adrien Truffert first, and tonight may not be the night that changes."
Truffert was statistically impressive in France draw
United fans should pay no mind to media concerns, as Truffert's stats from the Paris clash tell a different story altogether.
It is only fair to note that the 24-year-old's job was made tougher by his left centre-back, Dayot Upamecano, struggling throughout as he was eventually sent off for two bookable offences.
Truffert completed the joint-most dribbles (3) of any player, misplaced just one pass in 90 minutes (50/51) and took more touches in the opposition box (5) than any other defender on the pitch.
His crossing could have been more accurate (0/3 attempts), but there was not exactly much height to aim for in France's front three.
He made two tackles, two clearances and three ball recoveries, so was clearly adept defensively, and also won more ground duels (6) than any other defender.
Such criticism of his performance definitely feels harsh due to an ultimately disappointing home result for France, and he would clearly still be a great signing for United as their left-back pursuit continues.