Manchester United, ManU v Aston Villa - Premier League - Old Trafford Aston Villa s Jack Grealish during the Premier League match at Old Trafford, Manchester. EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or live services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xAnthonyxDevlinx 57355771
According to Express, Manchester United are likely to pursue Jack Grealish next summer in the event that Paul Pogba departs the club. The Red Devils have been long-term admirers of the Aston Villa captain and even tried to move for him last summer.
However, Villa’s relegation escape and his new contract meant that a price tag of £90million was slapped on him. Former Manchester United legends Rio Ferdinand and Gary Neville have all come out in favour of the club signing the player.
As Manchester United crashed out of their fourth semi-final within a year after losing to Manchester City in the EFL Cup recently, it reinforced one fact. Manchester United rely too much on individuals.
Often seen this season, the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford have been the players others have looked up to. While that works in most games, expecting them to do it on a weekly basis is asking too much.
That is exactly what happened against Manchester City in the EFL Cup. Both the United players were nullified and the rest of the team hardly looked like providing any breakthroughs. It’s almost criminal that a side like Manchester United has no other players who can change the course of the game.
If Manchester United needed an audition for Grealish, he gave a flawless one against them. He kept United’s defence busy throughout the night with his trickery and ability to get into dangerous positions. He also provided the assist for Villa’s only goal. United need more leaders on the pitch and are rightly veering towards Grealish.
The Villa captain has been talismanic for his side over the last few seasons and he showed his credentials last season by single-handedly keeping his side alive in the top-flight. Such characters are in demand at Old Trafford. There’s only so many times that Bruno Fernandes can pull a rabbit out of the hat.
Grealish fits the sort of signing United have pursued in recent times. In order to get him, Manchester United will need to break their bank and shell out an eye-watering £90million. However, with Pogba’s future still in the air and the possibility of departure next season, United would be wise to use those funds to push for Grealish’s signing.