Man Utd transfer news: Christian Pulisic, Alexis Sanchez, David de Gea, Eder Militao
Mourinho targets Pulisic while Sanchez rages after Champions League omission
Mourinho monitoring Pulisic
In desperate need of creativity it’s perhaps no surprise to learn that Manchester United “are in the race to sign Borussia Dortmund winger Christian Pulisic”.
So says the Metro with the paper reporting that Jose Mourinho is determined to put one over his former club Chelsea, who have recently been linked with a move for the 20-year-old American in the January transfer window.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Liverpool were also said to be loitering with intent for Pulisic, but they and the Blues face competition from United.
Dortmund have made it clear they have no intention of selling the American ace in the new year but the Metro says that they will “accept an offer of £70m” in the summer. That’s music to the ears of Mourinho, who will table a bid and bring Pulisic to Old Trafford.
Endgame for Sanchez?
Alexis Sanchez is said to be “raging” at Mourinho after the Chilean striker didn’t even make the substitutes’ bench for the Champions League win over Young Boys on Tuesday, reports the Daily Mirror.
That was the last straw for the Old Trafford flop and the Mirror says the snub has “strengthened” his determination to quit the club in January.
The paper goes so far as to say Sanchez “has told pals he wants to leave Manchester” with Paris Saint-Germain his preferred destination.
De Gea declaration
Meanwhile amid all the excitement of United’s last-gasp win against Young Boys, and their subsequent qualification for the last 16 of the Champions League, it wasn’t widely reported what Mourinho had to say about David de Gea.
The Spanish goalkeeper has recently been mooted as a Paris Saint-Germain target, but the United manager confidently declared that the 28-year-old will stay loyal to Old Trafford.
“I know he wants to stay,” said Mourinho, in comments carried by the Daily Mirror. “I know his agent is happy to do what the player wants and I also know that the board wants him to stay and they are working on that. So hopefully, sooner or later, they arrive at a good conclusion.”
Militao on the list
The latest defender said to be on Mourinho’s new year shopping list is Eder Militao and the Daily Express says that the Porto blocker is being lined up to replace Eric Bailly.
Having leaked 21 goals this league season, United are in need of shoring up at the back, and Mourinho believes that the 20-year-old Militao fits the bill.
Not only that but he’s affordable, unlike Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly, who apparently is out of financial reach of United.
Mourinho still has contacts at Porto, where he coached in the Noughties, and the Express says he is optimistic that a move can be agreed.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
The history of Donald Trump's election conspiracy theories
The Explainer How the 2024 Republican nominee has consistently stoked baseless fears of a stolen election
By David Faris Published
-
Two ancient cities have been discovered along the Silk Road
Under the radar The discovery changed what was known about the old trade route
By Devika Rao, The Week US Published
-
'People shouldn't have to share the road with impaired drivers'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Why Man United finally lost patience with ten Hag
Talking Point After another loss United sacked ten Hag in hopes of success in the Champion's League
By The Week UK Published
-
The Premier League's spending cap: levelling the playing field?
Talking Point Top clubs oppose plans to link spending to income of lowest-earning club, but rule could prevent success gap from widening
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Is a new English football regulator an own goal for the game?
Talking Point PM hails 'historic moment for football fans' but West Ham owner warns it could 'ruin' Premier League
By The Week UK Published
-
Manchester United and Mason Greenwood: duty of care or double standards?
Talking Point The 21-year-old footballer’s possible return has provoked an outpouring of dismay from supporters
By Jamie Timson Published
-
2023-2024 Premier League predictions: champions, relegation and golden boot
feature A look at the top flight talking points and pundit picks for the new season
By Mike Starling Published
-
Man City: can ‘one of the best sides in history’ win the treble?
feature Guardiola’s Premier League champions have two more trophies in their sights
By The Week Staff Published
-
Premier League: Man City vs. Arsenal predictions
feature What the pundits say about tonight’s title race showdown at the Etihad
By Mike Starling Last updated
-
Antonio Conte leaves Tottenham after ‘extraordinary’ rant at players
feature After another year without a trophy, Spurs are now searching for a new manager
By The Week Staff Published