Italian football journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Manchester United ‘had the opportunity’ to sign Julian Alvarez in January.
In the winter window, the Red Devils failed to make a single signing, with their only business being Axel Tuanzebe, Anthony Martial, Donny van de Beek and Amad Diallo all leaving the club on loan deals.
However, it seems as though they could have made a proper attempt at signing Alvarez if they truly wanted to. While speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano explained that United were not keen on him as they are looking for a striker of more proven quality.
Were Manchester United wrong to not sign Julian Alvarez?
Yes
No
He said: “They had the opportunity to sign Julian Alvarez, but Man United were not interested in signing him in January.
“They wanted something different, and this is why Man City jumped into this opportunity and decided to go for Julian Alvarez.
“But United want a player that is already set for Premier League football, ready for [the] top level. And maybe for Julian Alvarez, [it] will take some time. He’s a top talent, but they want a different kind of striker.”
TIF Thoughts on Julian Alvarez and Manchester United…
Of course, while United failed to make a move, rivals Manchester City were ready to pounce. Indeed, City completed a reported £14m deal for the River Plate man on Deadline Day.
Still only 22 years of age, the Citizens handed Alvarez a five-and-a-half-year contract, but have loaned him back to his club for the remainder of the season – seemingly happy to let him continue his development away from England in the short term. However, they could turn to him in the future if he starts living up to his full potential, as he’s been dubbed as the next Sergio Aguero.
With that in mind, if United really do want someone ready for top-level football as Romano suggests, it makes sense for them to have passed up on this deal as they look to target more proven strikers in the summer.
It will be certainly interesting to see who is on their transfer list when the market reopens.
In other news: Pundit enraged by MUFC decision