Manchester United interested in former Arsenal target
By Kian Long
Manchester United are looking to invest in youth, as this signing would suggest.
After what has been a good, but also sub-par season for Manchester United, they need to make reinforcements. Their wingers look risky, with big-contract signing Alexis Sanchez looking frail and Anthony Martial’s future surrounding speculation.
Another position which needs improving, perhaps the main position, is the midfield. The legendary Michael Carrick is set to leave, with Marouane Fellaini, Ander Herrera and Juan Mata also unsure.
Jose Mourinho has never been one to rest on his laurels, particularly when keeping up with league rivals is concerned. The Portuguese manager said he wouldn’t spend big this summer, but it wouldn’t be the first time he’s fooled the media.
According to the Sun, United are interested in signing the young midfielder Aleksandr Golovin from CSKA Moscow.
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Mourinho was spotted in the crowd in Austria watching the friendly with Russia. Many believed he was watching Marko Arnautovic, but he may have kept a keen eye on the opposing Aleksandr Golovin.
Golovin is in preparation for a big World Cup with this year’s hosts, Russia. He ages at just 22 years old, and this isn’t the first time a big club has been interested in his signature. Back in January, he was a contender to join Arsenal, but the Gunners pulled out of the interest.
He is a very attack-minded midfielder, although his versatility shouldn’t go overlooked. He has a cannon of a free kick on him, should he wish to unleash it.
After losing out on Fabinho to Liverpool, the Red Devils need to start being more proactive in the transfer market. It’s all well and good if Mourinho trusts his players, but there’s only a certain place in which trust can take you.
Next season, it may be just Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic battling for contention in midfield, so an injection of youth will do them the world of good.
Golovin could use Matic as a mentor, to add a new dynamic to his game. Playing under Mourinho, defensive football is a key part to succeeding, so playing under one of the most experienced in the business will do him no harm whatsoever.
If Golovin has a good tournament in Russia, then his price will only inflate. While this isn’t a problem for United, it will only put more pressure on Golovin to succeed.
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Do you think Aleksandr Golovin is the right call for Manchester United?