Pranav Nair
Manchester United take the lead in the pursuit of Nuno Mendes
According to Portuguese publication Record (h/t Sport Witness), Manchester United have taken the lead in their efforts to land Portuguese wonderkid Nuno Mendes.
The 19-year-old can play anywhere along the left flank and has emerged as a key first-team player for Sporting last season. He played a starring role in the Portuguese giants’ run to the Primeira Liga title, their first in 19 years.
Mendes’s performances earned him a call up to the Portuguese squad for the European Championship. While he is yet to make an appearance in the tournament, the experience will serve him well.
According to The Express, City was primed to make their move for Mendes. However, it would now appear that they have taken a step back. handing United an opportunity to step in and make their move.
As things stand, United have two excellent left-backs in Alex Telles and Luke Shaw. While the former may be moved on, it makes little sense for us to go big on Mendes given the options at our disposal.
Sporing could be willing to part way with their star man should the right bid come in. The Portuguese champions are seeking at least €50m for Mendes.
One advantage United could have is their relationship with the player’s agent Miguel Pinho. The Portuguese agent also facilitated the move for Bruno Fernandes to United. Whether that trick will be repeated with Mendes remains to be seen.
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The player for his part is ready to stay on for another season. As things stand, bringing in a new left-back is not a priority and the money is well off invested elsewhere.
