“I’d sell Shaw”, “Buy this guy” - Manchester United fans urge club to sign Italy star after Euro 2024 display vs Croatia
Manchester United fans want INEOS to swoop for Riccardo Calafiori after his impressive performance in Italy's 1-1 draw with Croatia at Euro 2024. Bologna center-back starred for Luciano Spalletti's side as they reached the knockout stages with a second-placed group finish.
Calafiori, 22, played the full 90 minutes of Gli Azzurri's draw against Croatia at Red Bull Arena Leipzig on Monday (June 24). He was excellent, making a darting run forward in the 90+8th minute before finding Italian midfielder Mattia Zaccagni, who bagged a last-gasp equalizer.
The four-cap Italy international also made five clearances, won three of five ground and aerial duels, and made three key passes. He was a standout performer as Spalletti's men finished second in Group B.
Croatia looked likely to take second spot in Euro 2024's Group B through Luka Modric's 55th-minute strike. The Real Madrid hero initially missed a penalty but recovered moments later to give his side the lead.
It wasn't enough, though, as the Italians came up trumps late to book their place in the last 16. Calafiori received huge praise on social media, particularly impressing Manchester United fans who watched their depleted defense struggle last season.
The Old Trafford faithful have talked up the former AS Roma youngster becoming one of Erik ten Hag's summer signings. One fan hopes Italy's Euro 2024 shining star is signed instead of Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite:
"Man Utd must bin the Braithwaite idea and buy this guy."
Another fan suggested selling Luke Shaw, who still hasn't appeared at Euro 2024:
"I'd sell Shaw for this beautiful demon... But yeah, like shaw ain't going nowhere right."
One fan made their feelings clear:
"I need me this guy at the theatre!!!
Another fan sent the Red Devils a message:
"Come for him @ManUtd."
Another fan echoed those sentiments:
"@ManUtd sign him now."
One fan has a similar review of the Italian:
"@ManUtd Hear me out."
Another fan suggested moving for Calafiori over Everton's Branthwaite:
"@ManUtd this is the guy, none of this Branthwaite talk."
One fan wants the Bologna defender instead of LOSC Lille's Leny Yoro:
"Madrid can have Yoro. United better be in for this guy."
Another fan thinks Calafiori is the profile Manchester United should be targeting this summer:
"These are the kinda players United should be after, buh I know my club."
Manchester United are reportedly prepared to pay £51 million to sign Italy's Euro 2024 star Riccardo Calafiori
Manchester United's owners could grant those fans their wish to sign Calafiori, as they are reportedly interested. According to Fichajes, they are willing to spend £51 million to bring the left-footed center-back to Old Trafford amid an impressive Euro 2024 campaign.
Calafiori was crucial for Bologna last season as they finished fifth in the Serie A table. He appeared 37 times across competitions, helping his side keep 16 clean sheets with two goals and five assists. He moved to left-back on six occasions, and that versatility could be of use to United.
The Red Devils defense was wrecked by injury issues last season, with Shaw missing most of the campaign. Fellow left-back Tyrell Malacia was sidelined throughout, and Ten Hag was forced to use Diogo Dalot and Victor Lindelof as makeshift left-backs.