Pranav Nair
Noel Whelan backs Manchester United target Raphinha to stay put at Leeds United
Speaking to Football Insider, former Leeds United star Noel Whelan has poured cold water on Raphinha moving to Manchester United this summer.
The Brazilian winger joined Leeds last summer and has since given an excellent account of himself in the Premier League. The 24-year-old made 31 appearances for the Yorkshire outfit, scoring six goals and assisting nine more. (h/t Transfermarkt)
The player himself recently admitted that he is keen to repay Leeds for the faith they have shown in him. Whelan believes the club has big plans and Raphinha will be glad of his decision to stay put.
Whelan praised Leeds for looking after Raphinha well and getting the best out of him. Not all transfers pan out but Marcelo Bielsa’s side has struck gold with the Brazilian winger.
“The club have looked after him very well.”
The 24-year-old is yet to play in front of a packed Elland Road and Whelan believes it can make all the difference. He believes ad adoring Leeds fanbase will convince Raphinha that this is where he belongs.
“He’s not been welcomed by the fans yet but when that happens he’ll be loving it and not wanting to leave Leeds even more. He will be a god, trust me.”
Whelan’s comments will come as a blow for United ace Bruno Fernandes who is a close friend of Raphinha. The duo spent one season together at Sporting Lisbon in 2018/19 and have since stayed in touch.
Capable of playing on either wing, Raphinha would have added pace, power and guile to the United attack. Unfortunately, it would appear that he is keen to stick at Leeds, at least for this summer.
More Manchester United News
- Transfer News: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer keen to keep Anthony Martial at Manchester United
- Fabrizio Romano: Tom Heaton set for Manchester United medical
- Memphis Depay to Barcelona could pave the way for two Manchester United transfers
It is quite rare for a Leeds star to move to United given the rivalry between both sides. The last player to cross the divide was Alan Smith when he moved to Old Trafford in 2004.
