Pranav Nair
The latest Michael Olise injury could derail interest from Manchester United
A revamp of the playing squad needs to be a priority at Manchester United under INEOS and one of the names on the watchlist is Crystal Palace star Michael Olise.
The French youth international is one of the best young players in the English top flight and has been a saving grace for Palace in what has been a poor campaign so far. While five goals and an assist in nine games is excellent, the remark remains that Olise has been unavailable for large parts of the campaign.
Chelsea were very keen on landing Olise last summer but he opted to stay put and pen an extension at Selhurst Park. The Blues under Todd Boehly are not averse to throwing cash at players and it remains to be seen if they will return for the 22-year-old.
Manchester United are also in dire need of a right-winger given the issues plaguing Mason Greenwood and Antony. Olise excels in the role and given his Premier League experience, could prove to be a readymade addition to the Red Devils roster.
According to the Express, while Manchester United are interested, there is some trepidation regarding the Frenchman’s injury record. Olise is currently out with a hamstring injury and is unlikely to be available for selection until February.
Olise has already missed 13 games this season, thanks to another hamstring injury sustained in June 2023. This recurring issue could call into question his viability to survive a season of high-intensity football.
Olise does not have a heavy injury record but his recurring hamstring concerns need to be addressed. While one can argue that the decision to have him play regularly before returning to full fitness could be a factor, it remains to be seen if there are any long-term implications.
At 22, Olise has already played 153 games for the Reading and Crystal Palace senior sides. As we have seen with Marcus Rashford, all the talent in the world cannot protect players from being played while injured and also from burnout.
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Manchester United appear ready to offer Aaron Wan-Bissaka in part exchange to land Olise. The Red Devils are unwilling to fork out the player’s release clause of £60m-£70m and are considering options to bring it down. How far we are willing to go given our concerns about his fitness remains to be seen.
