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Wingers have usually been Manchester United’s strong suit over the years but that was not always the case last season as multiple off-the-field controversies affected the stars.
On the left, Marcus Rashford, fresh off his career-best season in terms of goals, struggled on the pitch while his antics after a Manchester derby defeat and before a crucial FA Cup tie did not please fans nor his manager.
On the right, Jadon Sancho hardly played after a major falling-out with Erik ten Hag and he is currently on the verge of being sold. The club would also like to move on Antony after his dismal second year in Manchester.
A versatile winger capable of playing on both wings would be quite the addition and as per journalist Ben Jacobs, United are one of the sides to watch in the race for Dani Olmo of RB Leipzig.
Olmo in red-hot form
Last season, the Spaniard netted eight times while assisting five more in 20 starts and he played on both wings depending on his team’s requirement.
The 26-year-old has carried on his great form for his country, inspiring them to the Euro 2024 final after scoring in three successive games.
Having a modest release clause of €60 million for a player of his talents meant plenty of sides were interested including the Red Devils as well as cross-town rivals Manchester City and Chelsea.
Barcelona, where Olmo cut his teeth as a youngster, and Bayern Munich are also in the race with Jacobs rating the Catalan giants’ chances of bringing him back to the Camp Nou as very slim due to their economic condition.
City and Chelsea have both withdrawn from the race as things stand, almost leaving the 20-time English league champions and the Bavarian giants to duke it out amongst each other to see who wins.
Understand Manchester City have ruled out a move for Dani Olmo, despite reports. Chelsea also not considering a bid.
Olmo’s €60m release clause now expires on July 20 (as @FabrizioRomano called).
Barcelona have already discussed bringing Olmo back. They held direct talks with… pic.twitter.com/jaPaYg24g9
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) July 11, 2024
As for the release clause, it expires in 10 days time but both clubs are relaxed about the situation as they feel a deal can be agreed for a similar fee.
“Understand Manchester City have ruled out a move for Dani Olmo, despite reports. Chelsea also not considering a bid. Olmo’s €60m release clause now expires on July 20.
United one of the sides to watch
“Barcelona have already discussed bringing Olmo back. They held direct talks with Leipzig before #Euro2024, but would need a generous payment structure to proceed. Priority is Nico Williams for Barca.
“Bayern and Manchester United ones to watch for Olmo. Suitors feel his release clause won’t change much. Leipzig will still be open to business even after it expires, and on similar terms,” Jacobs wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Olmo’s standout ability on the ball would be a gamechanger for United while his versatility would allow Ten Hag to play in a number of different ways if required. It must be remembered that Olmo is adept at playing in the middle of the park as well.
Whether United have the money to pull off a deal of this magnitude remains doubtful. They are eyeing as many as three centre-backs while Joshua Zirkzee is on the verge of joining upfront.
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