Man Utd braced for damaging raid as Diego Simeone plots Atletico Madrid masterstroke with big signing

Manchester United are preparing themselves for a major Atletico Madrid bid after Diego Simeone reportedly began targeting one of Erik ten Hag’s most important players for the future.

Man Utd are enjoying a great run of form, having won their last seven matches in all competitions. That includes 3-0 victories over Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth in the Premier League recently, as well as a 3-1 win against Everton in the FA Cup third round on Friday.

Ten Hag will be hoping his team continue their winning run over the coming weeks. Their next game is against Charlton in the Carabao Cup quarter-final, before a huge derby with Manchester City on Saturday January 14.

If Man Utd are to overcome their rivals, they will need their best players to be firing on all cylinders.

This includes attacker Marcus Rashford. The Englishman is on 13 goals for the season, after scoring six times during his team’s seven-game winning streak.

Rashford cannot do it on his own though, and he will be hoping Alejandro Garnacho can help him out in the attacking department against City.

Garnacho does not always make it into Ten Hag’s starting eleven, due to the fierce competition for places in attack. But when he does play, he tends to make an impact.

The 18-year-old winger brings bags of energy whenever he gets on the pitch, forcing his opponents backwards with electric dribbles. Garnacho is also becoming composed when going through on goal, and he has an eye for a pass, too.

Man Utd ace becomes target for Atleti

Man Utd signed Garnacho from Atleti in October 2020 and sent him straight into their U18s team. He worked his way up the ranks before becoming a part of Ten Hag’s squad in the summer.

Man Utd are benefitting greatly from capturing Garnacho over two years ago. However, there is now a risk of him going back to La Liga.

According to The Sun, who cite reports coming out of Spain, Atleti are hoping to re-sign Garnacho.

Man Utd are progressing in talks with the Argentine and his representatives as they look to extend his contract beyond summer 2024. But Atleti believe now is a good time to hijack the contract discussions and submit a bid.

Atleti chiefs ‘regret’ the fact they allowed Garnacho to join the Red Devils and Simeone has now instructed them to go back on the hunt for him.

Such a signing would be a masterstroke from Simeone. Garnacho has the potential to become one of the top wingers in Europe following his electric displays this campaign.

He would help to revitalise Atleti’s attack, while he would be able to provide them with years of service as well.

Alejandro Garnacho could swap places with La Liga man

As Man Utd are vying with Arsenal for the capture of Joao Felix, there is the small possibility of a swap deal being struck involving the 23-year-old and Garnacho.

While Atleti want to sign Garnacho, it is highly unlikely this transfer will go through. Ten Hag will view him as an integral player for the future and will demand Man Utd officials do not agree a sale, no matter the size of the offer.

While Man Utd have spent big on wingers in the past, Ten Hag is keen to usher in a new era which is more reliant on young players from the academy. Given Garnacho’s spells in the U18s and U23s, he fits into this bracket. Ten Hag will also know the importance of bringing young players through, as it helps to impress the fans.

Therefore, Man Utd supporters should not be too worried about Garnacho leaving for Atleti any time soon.

Meanwhile, Man Utd have been mocked over a potential striker signing that will potentially cost a ‘fortune’.