Who is Hirving ‘Chucky’ Lozano?

After reports suggest Hirving Lozano could be on his way to Manchester United, we profile the exciting attacking midfielder.

United are currently in transfer talks to sign Lozano, according to the Mexico winger’s club Pachuca.

Pachuca’s vice-president Andres Fassi announced on Sunday that negotiations between the two clubs were ongoing.

But what’s the story? Who is Lozano? We take a closer look…

Factfile

Age: 20

Place of birth: Mexico City

Position: Attacking midfielder 

Club: Pachuca

Background

Lozano grew up in Mexico City but he was snapped up by Pachuca, which is 40 miles from his hometown. After a spell in the wilderness of Mexican football, the club have grown into a dominant domestic force, winning the Mexican league title three times in the last 10 years.

Pachuca have provided the perfect environment for Lozano to develop. After making his debut in 2014, he has gone onto make 91 senior league appearances and score 21 goals for the club, who won the Mexican league title (Clausura) in 2016 with Lozano at the forefront. 

The 20-year-old received his first senior call-up to the national team in February 2016 and has since made seven appearances, scoring his first international goal in a 3-0 win over Canada.

He made four appearance for Mexico at the recent Copa America tournament, including an inspired 27 minute cameo against Jamaica where he provided a classy assist for Oribe Peralta to score the second goal in a 2-0 win.

His speed and ability to go past [opponents] will take him far.

Mexico boss Juan Carlos Osorio on Lozano

Playing style

Lozano is an exciting player to watch. He’s been likened to young Bayern Munich midfielder Kingsley Coman.

Both like to run with the ball and attack defenders with pace and power. His speed and intelligence with the ball means he’s a bit of an assist king. This was on show during one match for Mexico U20s where he scored two but also created four goals in a 9-1 win over Cuba. 

France’s midfielder Kingsley Coman plays a similar style to Lozano

Lozano is predominantly right-footed but in keeping with the modern winger prefers to play off the left-wing and cut in on his stronger foot. Such is his quality, he can play anywhere across the forward line and has played centrally for his club side when required.

Top-class attacking midfielders are required to chip in with their fair share of goals and Lozano has that in his locker. He netted 12 times last season as Pachuca won the championship, including a hot streak of six goals in 12 matches half-way through the season. 

Where would Lozano fit in at Manchester United?

If Lozano does move to Old Trafford this summer, he could be seen as a replacement for Juan Mata, who has been linked with a move away since Jose Mourinho’s appointment.

Although Lozano will probably be viewed as a player for the future, United are not exactly brimming with forward-thinking midfield men that have the ability to go past a man. Memphis Depay struggled to hit form under Louis van Gaal last season while Ashley Young looks more comfortable playing as an attacking full-back.

Mourinho is keen admirer of midfielders with high energy and creative guile, therefore Lozano could get plenty of chances to shine. 

Monday’s Man Utd transfer rumours

Paul Pogba, Raphael Varane & Will Hughes linked

Did you know?

Lozano’s nickame is “Chucky”.  He picked up the tag due to his liking for jumping out from under beds to surprise roommates on away trips. 

What they said?

Lozano has the potential to go far, according to his Mexico coach Juan Carlos Osorio.

“His speed and ability to go past [opponents] will take him far,” he said.

“Lozano has a great desire to learn with the national team. His strength is that he is a very low-key, low profile, very down to earth [person] and I think will go very far.

“Not only is he a very good player with the potential to be an outstanding player, he is also a very good human being.”

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