Pranav Nair
Manchester United shelve plans to land Kieran Trippier this January
According to The Athletic (subscription required), Manchester United appear to have shelved plans for now to land Kieran Trippier this January.
The Red Devils are keen to bring in a right-back who can provide a different dynamic to that by Aaron Wan-Bissaka. While the Englishman is solid defensively, he lacks the attacking acumen to provide a threat at the other end.
This ability to change the build up when needed will give Ole Gunnar Solskjaer more options when it comes to different games.
Trippier topped the list of targets identified by United. A player with both Premier League and Champions League experience, the 30-year-old was also a key part of England’s 2018 World Cup squad.
There was a genuine belief within Old Trafford that Trippier could be convinced to return to England this January. However, his 10-week suspension has ended such hopes.
Atletico had indicated that they would want to break even on their £20 m investment in the player. United, on their part, are not allocating excessive funds to the position.
It remains to be seen if negotiations with Atletico will resume should Trippier’s appeal against the length of his ban be successful.
The player will enter the final year of his current deal this summer. It is possible that United will be ready to revisit a deal for his services at the end of the season.
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The player, for his part, was keen on a return to English shores with United. Having grown up in Manchester, he is familiar with the city and its environs. (h/t Mirror)
Trippier is not getting any younger. However given his ability, set-piece prowess, and experience, there are few who can offer what he does as a backup. Whether United decide to make a move for him in the future remains to be seen.
