Manchester United interested in Borussia Dortmund star
Ole Gunnar Solksjaer has barely been at Manchester United for a week, and he’s already shortlisted a few players to target in January.
The baby-faced assassin reportedly wants to sign Borussia Dortmund’s Axel Witsel in the winter transfer window.
Witsel was scouted by Mourinho as well earlier this season. The 29-year-old Belgian joined the German league leaders only this summer, but his performances have captured the attention of some other European giants.
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His career trajectory is an unusual one – after breaking through at Standard Liege and Benfica, he was signed by Zenit St. Petersburg for €40 million in 2012. In spite of interest from several clubs, the Russians managed to hold on to him until 2017, when he joined Chinese Super League side Tianjin Quanjian.
At the age of 29, Witsel made his return to Europe with Dortmund.
He’s been instrumental for the resurgent Germans, starting 16 of their 17 league matches this season, scoring 1 goal and notching 1 assist.
Known for his versatility, Witsel mostly plays as a defensive or box-to-box midfielder. His positioning and tactical intelligence is excellent, which explains why he was an important part of Belgium’s national set-up despite playing in China.
According to a report in the Mirror, Solksjaer will only be allowed to make loan signings in January. A temporary move for Witsel also makes a lot of sense – he will turn 30 next month, and Dortmund will be reluctant to permanently part with such an important player.
In spite of the excellent performance in the 5-1 win over Cardiff on Saturday, Solksjaer and Mike Phelan will have a lot of work to do in the coming months.
Nemanja Matic is clearly past his prime, notwithstanding his decent display against the struggling South Welsh side. United’s defense was also not really tested by Neil Warnock’s men, and they could use some additional depth in attack.
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Douglas Costa and Toby Alderweireld have been linked with January moves to Old Trafford. If Solksjaer can secure the players he needs, the Red Devils might actually mount a legitimate challenge for the top four.