Yoshinori Muto was only given ten minutes to impress against Spurs on Saturday and it’s difficult to judge a player on such a brief cameo.
However, from what we did see of him, the Chronicle‘s Cris Waugh thinks his passing isn’t yet up to standard:
“While Rondon was given more than half-an-hour to impress, Muto had to be content with just 10 minutes or so. The Japan international replaced Ayoze Perez in the No 10 role for the final few minutes, and briefly introduced himself to United fans with some penetrating runs and clever movements.”
“His final pass was found wanting, however, and Muto still appears short of match fitness – but his versatility, given that he can play as a No 10 or anywhere across the forward line, should give Benitez a wealth of new options.”
There’s no doubt we’ll need to see a lot more of the Japanese international before making any real judgements. His adaptability is certainly a real plus, being able to play right across the frontline.
He is likely going to be rivalling Ayoze Perez for a place in the first eleven, with Kenedy and Matt Ritchie set to be regular starters on the flanks and Salomon Rondon having being signed to lead the line.
Muto came on for the Spaniard on the 81st minute, and there is no doubting he will offer work rate, energy and pace. Whether he has an end product, we will have to wait and see.