Manchester United have been linked with a move for Chelsea star Willian for quite a while. Jose Mourinho is keen on being reunited with the Brazilian midfielder, who was signed under his watch in the summer of 2013 for around £30million. He has been one of the most reliable players for the blues in the last 4 years but has fallen down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge. Manager Antonio Conte has been unable to give him regular first-team football due to Pedro’s impressive form this season.
Willian was one of the regular first-team players at the start of the season, but his absence during his mother’s demise allowed Pedro to get into the team. The former Barcelona winger has not looked back since then, as he has scored 8 goals and 9 assists in 33 games this season.
Willian has 7 goals and one assist in 32 matches, although most of them have been as a late substitute. Conte has not had the chance to rotate his squad due to the absence of Champions League football. Yet, Willian appears to have been unsettled by the recent developments at West London, so much so that he has been considering the possibility of moving to Manchester United in the summer.
Now fresh reports have confirmed that Willian is not keen on a switch to Old Trafford and that he would see out his contract at Chelsea. His current deal with the blues runs until June 2020, when he would be 32 years of age. He said:
“My future is here with Chelsea. I have a contract until 2020 and I’m happy.”
This would come as a blow to Manchester United, who are in the market for an offensive player. The availability of Willian would have been a major boost to United, as Jose Mourinho knows the player extremely well. Furthermore, he has been playing in the Premier league for the last 4 seasons and does not need any time to get going.
As a result of the Brazilian’s unavailability, United will have to go back to the other transfer targets. While those potential targets may or may not fit the bill, the Brazilian would have been perfect for the system at United.
After having won the EFL Cup, the club are now looking to win the Europa League. This could be the most important title in United’s recent history, as it would also enable them to qualify for the Champions League next season.
