United target speaks out on possible move to the Premier League
Whilst Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has openly spoken about his satisfaction with his options in attack, the Portuguese continues to be linked with moves for players who would further strengthen his frontline. One such name to be tipped with a move to Old Trafford is Ajax’s teenage sensation Justin Kluivert. Son of Champions League winner and former Barcelona and Ajax striker Patrick, the winger made his first-team breakthrough at the Dutch giants just last season but has maintained his impressive form this term, scoring six times from his 19 appearances.
Kluivert, still only 19 years old, was pictured deep in conversation with Mourinho at the back end of last campaign, when United overcame Ajax in the Europa League final, with many suggesting that the Reds boss was making the teenager aware of his interest. However, the Dutchman has spoken out on his future, stating that whilst a move to the Premier League is of particular interest, the Reds are not the only side he would consider turning out for.
“England appeals to me,” Kluivert told Helden. “Arsenal, Tottenham, Chelsea or Manchester United are nice clubs where I can see myself playing in a few years. If you get a nice offer, you never know.”
In the past, Kluivert has often insisted that he is in rush to leave the Amsterdam Arena and looking at the attacking options available to Mourinho, it would be hard to see the teenager earning regular first-team football at Old Trafford. However, should he continue to progress at his current rate, it should only be a matter of time before Europe’s biggest clubs come calling and then it would be up to United to ensure that they are the head of the queue.
McTominay tips academy duo to make first-team breakthrough
Whilst Kluivert is an undoubtedly talented youngster with the world at his feet, United do not need to look too far from home in their search for the next big thing. Since his arrival as Reds boss, Mourinho has handed first-team debuts to a number of academy products, with midfielder Scott McTominay the one to have benefitted most from the Portuguese’s approach. The 21-year-old made his United debut at the back-end of last season, away to Arsenal in the Premier League and has continued to impress this term, making 12 appearances in all competitions, proving he is more than worth his place in the side.
McTominay believes that the future is bright at Old Trafford and has backed highly-rated duo Angel Gomes and Tahith Chong to become the next starlets to become first-team regulars. Gomes, still only 17 years old, made his Reds debut on the last day of the previous campaign, becoming the youngest ever United player to do so and impressed when coming off the bench at Yeovil Town a few weeks back. The pint-sized England international winger recently put pen to paper on his first professional contract and great things are expected of the teenager.
Chong, meanwhile, has only recently recovered from a serious knee injury but has wasted no time in catching Mourinho’s eye. Stellar performances for the under-18s and reserve sides have earned the midfielder rave reviews and it should not be long before the midfielder makes his first-team bow.
“There’s a number of different boys in the younger ages groups, but I feel like Angel and Chongy have got great potential,” McTominay is quoted as saying by the Daily Mail. “Hopefully one day they will be in the first-team and training with us regularly and getting as much game-time as they possibly can.”
Ibrahimovic’s MLS move edges closer
Meanwhile, veteran forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic is reportedly edging closer to a move to MLS outfit LA Galaxy once his contract at United expires at the end of the current campaign. The 36-year-old, who last featured for the Reds during their 2-2 draw at home to Burnley on Boxing Day, is thought to have sent representatives over to California in order to cast an eye over potential properties, according to the Daily Mail. Ibrahimovic is currently on the verge of returning to full fitness and the Swede’s quality and experience may be just what United need in the business end of the season edges closer.