Will Manchester United hijack West Ham’s move for Kevin Malcuit?

West Ham United target and current St. Etienne player Kevin Malcuit faces a decision this offseason, with both the Hammers and Manchester United rumored to be interested in the Moroccan defender. While West Ham’s needs at right back have been well-documented, Manchester United’s Jose Mourinho was apparently impressed by him during the Europa League matches that St. Etienne played against his squad.

West Ham had two approaches for the fullback rebuffed in the January transfer window, but the board is expected to make a fresh bid this summer to gain the services of the former Chamois Niortais player. Malcuit is an attractive signing for both clubs, as he has played as a right winger, right fullback and right wingback in his career, giving flexibility when needed.

With Malcuit sure to feature as a first choice right back at the London Stadium, he will have to decide between playing time and the glory of sitting on the bench at Old Trafford. Many a player has transferred to one of the “big” clubs only to watch their career stall as they can’t get on the pitch. While Mourinho would have been impressed with plays such as Malcuit’s tackle on Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Malcuit would likely be one of many players headed to Manchester United in the summer transfer window, and not be an impact player right away. Hopefully Malcuit will take a cue from all of the former Chelsea players that Mourinho has signed that never played regularly again and sign for West Ham and an actual chance to play first-team football.