Bharath Rammr
Manchester United could be facing competition from Chelsea in order to sign Tiemoue Bakayoko. The 22-year-old midfielder has become one of the top transfer targets for top European clubs in the last few months. He has produced a string of good performances with Monaco in order to help the club become title challengers once again. The club have a substantial advantage over big-spending Paris St Germain, largely due to the presence of players like Bakayoko. The player also caught the eye of some big names during his European performances against Tottenham.
It is reported that Jose Mourinho has made the defensive midfielder a priority in the summer. Since the club let Morgan Schneiderlin leave the club in January and with Michael Carrick’s future also in doubt, with his contract about to experience this summer, United are keen on reinforcing the defensive midfield positions. At 22 years of age, Bakayoko will fit perfectly into the long-term plans at United. However, the biggest concern for the Red Devils is to convince Bakayoko to join Old Trafford instead of Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea’s commanding position in the Premier League gives them a lot of advantage when it comes to convincing transfer targets. The club will be able to make a return to the Champions League after this campaign, while United’s position with regard to European football is still in a limbo. While United will be capable of paying the £35 million which is likely to be demanded by Monaco, the presence of Chelsea changes the dynamics of the situation. Jose Mourinho is hoping that his persuasive powers with regard to signing transfer targets give United the edge.
The player is very likely to make a decision after the end of the campaign. United are 5th in the table after the recent 3-0 win over Sunderland. They were able to finally move away from the 6th spot as a result of Arsenal’s 3-0 loss against Crystal Palace. Even then, United are only knocking on the doors of the top four and are not actually in it. Manchester City, Liverpool, and Tottenham are now seen as the favourites to finish in the top four. Such a scenario would leave United with the prospect of having to win the Europa League at all costs in order to reach the Champions League group stages next season.
United managed to win the League Cup a few months ago, but it has long been forgotten in the chase for top honours. A player like Bakayoko will be more focused on playing European football on a regular basis than winning competitions like the EFL Cup.
