Sridhar Bhamidi
Manchester United have made a quiet inquiry about Anderlecht defensive midfielder Leander Dendoncker, according to The Sun. The Red Devils have been keeping close tabs on the 22-year-old Belgian although the view from Old Trafford is that he will not be signed this summer.
The youngster caught the attention of the Red Devils with his dazzling performances in the Europa League quarter-finals last season. He even scored a goal in that encounter against us and impressed Jose Mourinho with his temperament and pace.
United were monitoring him closely and sent scouts to watch Anderlecht’s opening game of the season. He is valued by the Belgian club at approximately £30million and has attracted attention from across Europe. RB Leipzig from German Bundesliga and AC Milan from Italian Serie A were also tracking the player whose availability was checked by United earlier this summer after the Europa League encounter.
There were rumours earlier in this transfer window that Paris Saint-Germain were also interested in checking his availability. Dendoncker has been at Anderlecht since his childhood and was earmarked as one of the prominent players in his position.
After making his club debut in the 2013-14 season, the youngster has become a vital player for the club and has kept improving every season.
Not For This Summer
This summer’s midfield enforcements as per Mourinho’s list are complete after Nemanja Matic completed his move from Chelsea. It is not new for us to be linked with defensive midfielders. There is a running joke around Old Trafford that any midfielder who can stand on two legs will be linked with the club.
Michael Carrick is in the final leg of his United career and his supposed-to-be-replacement Matic isn’t any younger at 29 years of age. He would surely occupy the place this season and there is no imminent need to go for another signing for the same position.
In addition, there are a couple of youngsters from the academy who can be the options for Mourinho in the event of any injuries. Scott McTominay has impressed in the pre-season and will get his chances while Timothy Fosu-Mensah can also play in that position.
Looks like our interest in Dendoncker is only for signing him next summer.
