Manchester United have switched their focus to Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley, as new minority owners INOES look to reshape the squad in the summer transfer window.
Matt O’Riley, 23, has enjoyed a breakout season for Celtic, scoring 13 goals and supplying 16 assists in 42 games across all competitions. The midfielder’s successful season saw him earn his first cap for Denmark in 2023, and he will be hoping to be a part of the Euro 2024 squad this summer.
Atletico Madrid had a bid for the 23-year-old rejected in January and are likely to return for him when the transfer window reopens. Manchester United are reportedly running the rule over Matt O’Riley ahead of a potential swoop, having monitored him since 2022. However, they could face competition from Inter Milan and Girona for the London-born Danish midfielder’s signature.
Casemiro, Christian Eriksen could be moved on at the end of season
After a fine debut season at Manchester United, Casemiro has shown signs of regression this term. The Brazilian, well into his 30s, has struggled to cope with the pace and energy of Premier League football, dishing out many underwhelming performances at the heart of the Erik ten Hag-managed side’s midfield.
Man United could look to move on Casemiro at the end of the season along with Christian Eriksen, who looks past his prime. Add to this the disastrous loan spell of Sofyan Amrabat and the slow start to life at Old Trafford for Mason Mount due to unfortunate injury problems, teenage sensation Kobbie Mainoo has been the only shining light in the engine room.
New co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is ready to give the green signal to the management to make changes at the club and recruit young, talented and hungry players. The Red Devils have been linked with plenty of high-profile midfielders in recent weeks and months. Having been keeping tabs on Matt O’Riley’s progress since 2022, they are now leading the race for his signature.
O’Riley has enjoyed a hugely productive campaign for the Hoops, making tackles, intercepting play, creating chances, supplying assists and scoring goals aplenty. The two-cap Denmark international is a crisp passer of the ball and has a good engine, which is something Ten Hag’s midfield desperately requires.
Given his situation in Glasgow, signing the 23-year-old could be an expensive affair. However, he would be a good fit for the position and form a strong partnership with Mainoo. Moreover, O’Riley would certainly fit the INEOS model of signing young talents with massive potential. Thus, the Red Devils must accelerate their pursuit of the Celtic star and get a deal over the line as quickly as possible.
I am Rohan Sengupta from one of the busiest cities in India, Mumbai. A Journalism graduate with a keen interest in sports, football is something I simply cannot live without and writing, discussing and analyzing the game is what I do 24*7.
