Manchester United Transfer News Roundup: Manu Kone deal unlikely; Marcel Sabitzer wants to stay, and more - May 19, 2023
Manchester United are fourth in the Premier League after 35 games, with Liverpool breathing down their neck in fifth. Erik ten Hag’s team need a win against Bournemouth on Saturday (May 20) at the Vitality Stadium to continue their quest for a top-four finish.
Meanwhile, Manu Kone is unlikely to join the Red Devils this summer. Elsewhere, on-loan Bayern Munich midfielder Marcel Sabitzer wants to sign a permanent deal at Old Trafford. On that note, here's a look at the key Manchester United transfer stories as on May 19, 2023:
Manu Kone deal unlikely
Journalist Jonathan Johnson reckons Manu Kone will not join Manchester United this summer.
The French midfielder has been a revelation for Borussia Monchengladbach this season and has turned heads at Old Trafford. Ten Hag is keen to upgrade his squad over the summer and reportedly has his eyes on Kone.
In his column for Caught Offside, Johnson said that Kone is not ready to join the Red Devils yet.
“Kone’s a bit of an all rounder and all action, but I don’t think he’s necessarily ready for the jump up to Manchester United and the expectations that would come with that. Equally, coming back to PSG, and being a French talent that they would have to pay quite significantly for, that would also present a number of challenges,” wrote Johnson.
He continued:
"I do think he’s a very interesting profile, and he’s expecting to be on the move this summer. He’s developed well so far with ‘Gladbach; he’s certainly on the radar in terms of a potential French national team call-up in the near future, and it just seems like he needs to find the right fit in order for him to develop further and reach the next level of his game, which should ultimately put him in that top band of midfield talent.”
Kone has made 30 appearances across competitions for Monchengladbach this season, recording a goal and an assist apiece.
Marcel Sabitzer wants to stay at Manchester United
Marcel Sabitzer wants to continue his stay at Old Trafford, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
The Austrian midfielder joined Manchester United on a six-month loan deal from Bayern Munich in January. The 29-year-old has appeared 18 times across competitions for the club since his move, scoring three goals and setting up one.
An unfortunate injury has ruled Sabitzer out for the rest of the season, but there have been talks of a permanent stay at Old Trafford. Speaking to Give Me Sport, Romano said that the Austrian is waiting for a decision from the Premier League giants.
“I'm sure that he wants to stay at Manchester United, so Sabitzer is just waiting for Man United to make a decision. He would love to stay; he would love to continue. He's very happy with the club, with the team-mates, with the manager,” said Romano.
Ten Hag desires more quality in the middle of the park, so Sabitzer could be an option to consider this summer.
Stan Collymore wants Alejandro Garnacho to start FA Cup final
Former Liverpool striker Stan Collymore wants Alejandro Garnacho to start the FA Cup final against Manchester City next month.
The Argentinean forward exploded into the scene at Manchester United this season and has been outstanding so far. He has amassed five goals and as many assists in 30 games across competitions for the senior side and has signed a new deal with the club.
Speaking to Caught Offside, Collymore lavished praise on Garnacho and said that the 18-year-old should start alongside Marcus Rashford and Antony Martial in attack against City.
“You could argue there will be two, maybe three positions, up for grabs in Man United’s squad; one of which being who will start as the left-winger. You would assume that Wout Weghorst won’t be trusted to lead the line, so Marcus Rashford is likely to start up top with Antony on the right-hand side, and if that is the case, it would mean either Jadon Sancho or Alejandro Garnacho starts on the left,” said Collymore.
He continued:
“Personally, although I am a big fan of Sancho, I would start with Garnacho. He’s young, quick and very technical, so I think he’d provide the likes of Kyle Walker with a lot more to contend with.
"Garnacho is Man United’s maverick; unlike Sancho, he is arrogant and bursting with confidence, and although an occasion as big as the FA Cup final may overwhelm some players, I see the young Argentine thriving in that kind of environment.”
Garnacho returned from injury against Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend and found the back of the net in the 2-0 win.