Moise Kean’s Journey: From Humbling Moments to Potential Stardom
In December 2019, Moise Kean experienced a humbling moment during his last Premier League outing at Old Trafford, where he came off the bench for Everton in a match against Manchester United that ended in a 1-1 draw. Just 18 minutes after being introduced by then-interim manager Duncan Ferguson, Kean was substituted, highlighting the difficulties the young striker faced early in his career, even as he was hailed as Juventus’s youngest-ever debutant.
Revitalization at Fiorentina
Fast forward to today, Kean is generating buzz as Manchester United reportedly monitors the 23-year-old forward, following his impressive stint at Fiorentina. With a release clause set at €52 million and valid until mid-July, United may find the opportunity too good to pass up as they look to improve their attacking options for the upcoming season under manager Ruben Amorim.
Kean’s pathway to revitalization began last summer when he joined Fiorentina. Under the guidance of Raffaele Palladino, who parted ways with the club at the season’s end, Kean finally got the consistent starting role he needed. The Italian forward surged back to form, finishing the Serie A season with 19 goals—only surpassed by Mateo Retegui of Genoa, who scored 25.
Palladino affirmed the importance of belief in Kean’s abilities, stating, “Both I and the club have faith in Moise,” a sentiment that clearly paid off.
His role at Fiorentina was distinctly defined: work the box and shoot. This clear mandate markedly improved his performance metrics. An analysis of his shooting frequency reveals that Kean registered six shots on target for every 100 touches—placing him at the top of Serie A, in stark contrast to struggling United forward Rasmus Hojlund, who managed only 2.2.
Potential Fit for Manchester United
While United has impressive talent in the form of Bruno Fernandes and the newly signed Matheus Cunha, who can orchestrate attacking plays, they are in need of a dynamic striker capable of stretching defenses. Kean’s ability to exploit spaces and his clever off-ball movements—indicated by tracking data showing that nearly 39% of his runs target penetrating behind defensive lines—could provide a solution.
His capability on the pitch was showcased during a remarkable hat-trick against Verona last November. Each goal highlighted different aspects of his skill set: his intelligence with runs, strength in positioning to meet crosses, and remarkable ball control while carrying and shooting.
A notable statistic reveals that, compared to other centre-forwards in Europe’s top leagues, Kean ranks in the 79th percentile for dribble attempts. However, his tendency to remain stationed high on the pitch means he engages less in build-up play, an aspect that may concern United’s tactical approach should they require a more versatile forward.
Overcoming Early Career Challenges
Players like Kean, who struggle to gain traction early in their careers in the Premier League, often face undue scrutiny. Take, for instance, Iago Aspas, who, despite a lackluster spell at Liverpool, went on to enjoy sustained success at Celta Vigo.
Though Kean’s infamous 18 minutes at United remains etched in memory, his stellar performance in Serie A confirms his potential to rewrite that narrative. With his speed, sharp movements, and proficiency in the penalty area, Kean could be well-suited to make a significant impact should he join Manchester United, potentially pursuing a brighter chapter in his Premier League story.
