Looking to keep Manchester United an irresistible force s they were on their opening Premier League encounter against the Hammers, Jose Mourinho is looking to expand his wide-man options with the purchase of AS Monaco’s Thomas Lemar – a move that would likely end the United career of full-back Luke Shaw.
Have taken various public missiles from his Portuguese boss since returning from a horrific injury, the pair’s relationship has always seemed frayed in the eyes of the footballing media, indeed, despite Mourinho’s record of tearing players apart publically, his ire for one of England’s most lauded young players has seemed at times rather unsettling.
Despite the public bashings, Shaw’s seemingly newly formed professional attitude had seemed to impress Mourinho during pre-season, however the need for a consistent injury free (Shaw has sustained a staggering 17 injuries whilst at Manchester United) defender will seem like a must for his gaffer – with at least 3 squad members able to fulfill the role, selling Shaw would unload funds for a new attacking acquisition such as the Frenchman Lemar.
Of all of the pairs falling out’s, and possibly the most telling of his criticism, was when Mourinho shot down his player following an impressive performance in United’s 1-1 draw last campaign, taking all the credit for himself with the unfettered words “his body with my brain” – referencing the players apparent lack of a footballing brain.
As for the clubs new target Lemar, The Red Devil’s will likely need to fork out £55million for a player that contributed an impressive 9 goals and 10 assists in just 28 starts on their way to Monaco’s glorious Ligue 1 campaign
Not only will the price prove to be a sore point for the United execs, the fact that the French principality has already watched stars such as Benjamin Mendy, Tiemoue Bakayoko and Bernardo Silva leave for the Premier League, likely meaning an even stronger grip on one of their last few stars alongside Kelen M’bappe.
(via the Metro)