Pranav Kannan
Transfer News: Blow for Manchester United as Malcolm Ebiowei joins Crystal Palace from Derby County
According to Crystal Palace FC via Twitter (h/t Manchester Evening News), Manchester United target winger Malcolm Ebiowei of Derby County has completed his switch to Selhurst Park.
One of the most talented prospects in the Championship last season, Ebiowei was a lone shining spark in a faltering Derby County team last season. He shone brightly through all the darkness the Rams were going through in a season which saw them relegated to League One.
His performances have not gone unnoticed with many English clubs keeping an eye on the talented English starlet. Man United, in particular, were very keen on securing Ebiowei but he has chosen to go to the Eagles.
Ebiowei played 29 times for Wayne Rooney’s team last season, scoring eight goals and providing three assists across all competitions. These numbers are very impressive for a teenager and there is no surprise that he is receiving so much praise.
Joining Derby from the Rangers at the beginning of last season, it did not take the 18-year-old much time to adapt to the second division of English football and is unlikely for him to take much time to settle in with the Eagles.
Whilst interest from Man United is always very flattering and would have no doubt made Ebiowei consider the option, the fact that he is more likely to get a prominent first-team role with the Eagles could have tilted his decision.
The competition for places especially as a young winger at Old Trafford is quite ridiculous. Anthony Elanga has just made the big step into the first team. Facundo Pellistri, Amad Diallo and Alejandro Garnacho have all been waiting in the wings for an opportunity.
Add Ebiowei to this list and the Red Devils will become spoilt for choice and it would not prove to be a good thing for the career of these youngsters. Hence, it seems like a blessing in disguise that Ebiowei joined Palace.
If he continues to shine for Palace and becomes the player everyone is expecting of him, it may not be long before giants of the game come sniffing around for him. A move to London, hence, seems a wise choice for his career.
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For now, we have far bigger problems to address. Midfield is a place where United must make urgent signings and then turn their attention towards the backline. The urgent need for another teenage winger won’t arise for a while- at least from what it looks like right now.
