Manchester United pushed hard but failed to sign PSG star this summer - Reports
Manchester United reportedly tried hard to land Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) star Xavi Simons this summer. As reported by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano (via Tribal Football), the Red Devils were desperate to land the 21-year-old but failed in their pursuit.
As per the report, Manchester United registered their interest in the Dutchman even before attempting to sign Manuel Ugarte. Erik ten Hag was full of praise about the Netherlands international during the European Championship 2024.
Despite the 20-time English champions' interest in the youngster, the versatile attacking midfielder chose to return to RB Leipzig on loan for another season. Simons enjoyed a fantastic season on loan at the Red Bull Arena last time out, catching the eye of Europe's biggest clubs.
Despite being only 21, Simons has already been at big clubs like Barcelona, PSG, PSV Eindhoven, and RB Leipzig. Capped 22 times for the Netherlands already, he is also regarded as a key player for the Oranje.
Simons has started the 2024-25 season well at RB Leipzig, having contributed with one goal and one assist in five games. He was phenomenal with 10 goals and 15 assists in 43 games last season which saw him being named in Bundesliga Team of the Season.
Capable of playing on either flank as well as a number 10, it is hardly a surprise to see Xavi Simons attracting interest from Europe's elite club. Manchester United would have certainly strengthened their forward line to a great extent had they managed to secure the Dutchman's services.
Chris Sutton predicts the outcome of Crystal Palace vs Manchester United
Pundit Chris Sutton has backed Manchester United to secure a victory against Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday (September 21). Erik ten Hag's side have won their last two games across competitions following a pretty underwhelming start to their campaign.
Sutton has predicted a 2-1 win for the Red Devils when they take on Oliver Glasner's side at Selhurst Park. He wrote in his column for BBC:
"Crystal Palace pumped Manchester United 4-0 in May, but since then they have sold Michael Olise, who scored twice in that game and makes goals as well as scores them. Eagles boss Oliver Glasner made a huge impact when he came in last season but, so far, this campaign has not been plain sailing for him."
"Glasner wants to play an attacking brand of football, but I feel like that will suit Manchester United and that Erik ten Hag's side can hurt Palace the same way they hurt Southampton last week," he added.
The pundit continued:
"It was a big moment in the game when Andre Onana saved Cameron Archer's penalty, but, after that, United were pretty good, with Marcus Rashford looking lively."
"My first instinct was that this would end in a draw, but I am actually going to go with United to win it. I am still not sure about Ten Hag, but I just have a sense they might be heading in the right direction, and Palace have not got going yet," Sutton concluded.
Manchester United beat Southampton 3-0 in the Premier League last weekend (September 14) before demolishing Barnsley 7-0 in the EFL Cup on September 17. Crystal Palace find themselves 16th on the table with just two points in four games.