Amidst the recent controversies surrounding Antony and Jadon Sancho, Manchester United is exploring an emergency move to secure the services of former PSV winger Anwar El Ghazi.
According to a report from Daily Mail, Anwar El Ghazi is on the radar of Manchester United. The Dutch winger is currently a free agent after parting ways with PSV over the summer. The advantage of his free-agent status is that he can be signed by United at any point, even though the transfer window has closed.
El Ghazi, 28 years old, has prior experience in the Premier League, having played for Aston Villa and Everton from 2019 to 2022. Following his time in England, he made a move to PSV in 2022, where he accumulated 33 appearances, netting nine goals and providing two assists.
Transfermrkt values Anwar El Ghazi at $6 Million. The winger had offers from Saudi Arabia during the summer, but those potential deals failed to materialize. Manchester United’s interest in him has arisen due to the current uncertainty surrounding the futures of wingers Antony and Jadon Sancho.
Man Utd are reportedly considering signing Anwar El Ghazi as a free agent! ✍️
Do you think this would this be a good move? 🤔#ElGhazi #ManUtd #PSV #AVFC pic.twitter.com/7heDv2dBFv
— DR Sports (@drsportsmedia) September 12, 2023
Jadon Sancho’s situation hangs in the balance following his self-proclaimed claim as a ‘scapegoat’ in response to remarks made by manager, Erik ten Hag regarding his performances in training.
Meanwhile, Brazilian winger Antony has faced suspension from both the club and the national team amid an ongoing investigation into allegations of domestic abuse raised by his former girlfriend, Gabriela Cavallin.
Given the uncertainty surrounding these wingers, along with Mason Greenwood’s departure in the summer and Anthony Martial’s injury issues, Manchester United’s pursuit of reinforcements outside the transfer window appears to be a prudent move.
Two youngsters to be promoted in the Manchester United squad to replace Antony
The challenge of replacing Antony in the match-day squad now confronts Manchester United’s manager, Erik ten Hag.
According to reports, two young talents, Omari Forson and Facundo Pellistri, are being considered for promotion within the squad to help alleviate the burden created by Antony’s suspension.
Nineteen-year-old Omari Forson garnered attention during the pre-season when he was subbed out after just 31 minutes by Erik ten Hag following an altercation with Julian Ryerson during a match against Dortmund. Despite this incident, Forson has demonstrated consistent performance at lower levels for United and is highly regarded as an “incredible talent” within the club.
#MUFC not interested in Anwar El Ghazi, after proposal by agents. Right-wing options affected by Antony’s withdrawal + Sancho’s situation, but Pellistri was kept with a view to featuring, plus Garnacho could play there. Fernandes/Mount too, if necessary.
— Laurie Whitwell (@lauriewhitwell) September 12, 2023
Forson, known for his agility, can operate effectively on either wing. Notably, he had an “excellent” 2022/23 campaign, contributing nine goals and three assists in a mere 25 games across all competitions for Manchester United’s Under-23 side.
On the other hand, Facundo Pellistri, aged 21, joined Manchester United from La Liga side Alaves in the summer of 2022. The impressive young talent is expected to see increased playing time on the right wing after making a strong impression with Manchester United’s Under-21 team, tallying three goals and one assist in nine games last season.
Among fans, there is a degree of uncertainty regarding how manager Erik ten Hag will utilize Anwar El Ghazi in the squad. Many express a preference for promoting the club’s young talents from within rather than seeking emergency signings.
