Will Man Utd Edge Spurs In The Race To Nab Moutinho?
Having seen their move for Luka Modric fall apart, Manchester United are eyeing up alternatives and Porto’s Joao Moutinho appears to be top of the list – though Spurs are also in the hunt.
Sir Alex Ferguson’s men have been strongly linked with the Croatian midfielder all summer, but the move has stalled leaving Ferguson to contemplate other targets and after impressing for Portugal at Euro 2012, Moutinho has become their No. 1 target. Moutinho would almost certainly cost a lot less than Modric, though there have been some suggestions that United will offer Anderson a return to the Estadio do Dragao in part exchange.
Having already signed Shinji Kagawa, United are now looking for a more conservative, ball playing central midfielder and I think Moutinho would fit the bill perfectly. He will no doubt have had had words with Nani and Cristiano Ronaldo about any move to Old Trafford but is that even necessary? When a club the size of Manchester United come calling, it’s hard to say no.
But Premier League rivals Tottenham have also been credited with an interest in Moutinho, with Modric seemingly set for the exit. These links will surely grow stronger now Spurs have appointed Andre Villas-Boas as their new manager. Moutinho and Villas-Boas enjoyed a successful year together at Porto and ‘AVB’ is a big fan of the 25 year old midfielder.
When it boils down to it, Moutinho will have to choose between familiarity (Villas-Boas) or instant success with Manchester United. There is potential in that Spurs team to win silverware but I think they’re a couple of years off yet.
If I was Moutinho, I’d be looking for a move to Manchester United but I’ve got a feeling that Villas-Boas can persuade Moutinho and we may well see him in the White and Blue of Spurs.
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July 5th, 2012
Nah, 2 reasons – 1 AVB and 2 until they get a listing on the NY stock exchange they dont have the dosh … that is why they have not bid for anybody ….
July 5th, 2012
Umm i think youll find they had 30m for hazzard, im sure they would have enough for moutinho
July 5th, 2012
They might have had 30million 4 hazzard but no money to pay him!!!!
July 5th, 2012
Buy anyone but u still won’t win anything muahahhaaha
July 5th, 2012
Isn’t it just a but previous to assume that United will win more silverware? Just a bit. Likely, yes, certain, no.
Also, as Peter4Spurs says, United can’t afford Modric, can United afford Moutinho?
July 5th, 2012
Modric is defiantly leaving so we need a replacement! Reports are we array close to a deal for Brazilian youngster Oscar. I know he plays in a more advanced role for Inter but i have seen him play quite a few times now and he seems to have all the attributes to play a more central role. defiantly think he is worth the money!
July 5th, 2012
they have dosh because they are a bunch of jimmy carr tax dodgers
July 5th, 2012
One thing gaurenteed is that if he signs for Spurs he`ll get a game he won`t be promised that at Old Trafford,especially now Scholes is staying another year !
July 5th, 2012
why is he gaurranteed success at united? They won nothing last year. wont win the league this year either.
July 5th, 2012
Looks as though the Utd partial flotation on the New York stock exchange is because of spending £50m last summer, paying off debt before Xmas and failing to qualify for the last 16 of CL. Therefore the money raised may well be earmarked for more debt repayment, not a wish list for Fergie. They could never afford Modric, the “Modric is going to Utd for £25m” story came from Shaun Custis of the Sun, who places stories for Fergie on a regular basis. Then a couple of days ago his brother Neil Custis, who also places stories for Fergie,said Moutinho would prefer to go to Utd. As Manures position in the pecking order declines, Fergie gets his cronies to place more of these stories. Desperation thy name is Fergie.