Manchester United fans may have forgotten about Nick Powell, the player who replaced Juan Mata in a Champions League game back in 2015. The striker was one of the several players coming through the ranks at Manchester United during the time of Louis van Gaal. Upon the arrival of Jose Mourinho, many of the players have since been sold or loaned out to other clubs, and Powell has also met with the same fate. The 23-year-old made the permanent switch to Wigan Athletic, who are now playing in the Championship, on a free transfer. It seemed that his career at United was completed once and for all.
United fans, however, are keen to see the striker returned to Old Trafford. United are desperate to see some goals on a regular basis from players other than Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The Swedish striker has been the only standout player in attack with 28 goals in all competitions. The likes of Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial have failed to hit the heights as expected. Jose Mourinho was highly critical of his attacking players in the 1-1 draw with Anderlecht on Thursday night. Despite having numerous chances, the club were unable to put away the Belgian outfit in the first leg of the Europa League quarter-finals.
At the same time, Powell was managing to make headlines in the Championship after scoring a hat-trick to help Wigan recover from being 2-0 down to win the match 3-2 against Barnsley. The result was of huge significance, as it puts the club just five points behind the drop zone. Only a few weeks ago, Wigan’s hopes of avoiding the drop looked very bleak indeed. Yet, the club are on a mini revival of form – buoyed by the presence of Powell. The striker has scored four goals in his last two matches after having scored just one in his previous 15. Yet, this seems to be a good enough record for United fans, who have been calling for the striker to return to Old Trafford.
Nick Powell hattrick. Always dream to see him play for united again.
— Bloody Knight (@theblodyknight) April 14, 2017
Can’t believe I’ve witnessed a nick Powell hat trick tonight. #mufc should sign him up
— Ian (@swintonian_) April 13, 2017
Bring back Nick Powell. #MUFC
— Timmy (@united90) April 13, 2017
Nick Powell with a hat-trick for Wigan tonight. Too late to get him back for the 2nd leg? #mufc
— Ollie Walker (@ollie_walker) April 13, 2017
United are no strangers to signing players that they have let go in the past. The most iconic has to be Paul Pogba, who was allowed to leave on a free transfer as an 18-year-old. However, he has returned to the club five years later for a world record fee of £89 million. This has led to fans sarcastically claiming that Powell will now cost £250 million on the basis of his recent form.
United to resign Nick Powell for £250 million in 3 years time #MUFC
— Tom Wilcox (@tomwilcox19) April 13, 2017
Jose Mourinho is expected to make some defensive signings in the summer, but the biggest changes are likely to be up front.