United has recently shown promising form in the Premier League, winning three out of their last five matches. Tonight, they have the chance to extend their winning streak if they secure another victory.
After United’s match, attention may shift to the Africa Cup of Nations final, where Ivory Coast will face Nigeria.
This final marks the culmination of an exciting competition, and one player will be under the spotlight for United scouts during the game.
That player is defender Odilon Kossounou, who is vying for a starting spot in tonight’s final. Ivory Coast, after defeats to Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea in the group stage, is in a precarious position in the competition and needs a strong performance to advance to the Round of 16.
Kossounou, a standout performer for Bayer Leverkusen, did not feature as a substitute in the group stage but was called upon against Senegal, contributing to the team’s victory.
However, he was subsequently sent off against Mali in the quarterfinals and missed the semi-final against DR Congo. Now available again, he is expected to replace Willy Boly in tonight’s final.
Kossounou’s performance against Senegal earned praise from Kolo Toure, and United scouts are eager to see more of him. Reports in January suggested that United are considering Kossounou as a potential summer signing.
With Leverkusen, the 23-year-old has impressed in the Bundesliga, and tonight’s final presents an ideal opportunity for United to evaluate him further.
Facing a top striker like Victor Osimhen adds to the challenge, and United will be keen to see how Kossounou handles the pressure of such a significant match.
Described as “really quick” and a “complete defender,” Kossounou is known for his versatility, capable of playing as a center-back or right-back.
Tonight’s game offers him a chance to showcase his abilities on the world stage, and United will be closely monitoring his performance as they consider him as a potential summer target.
