Man Utd ‘cannot be ruled out’ in race for PSG stalwart Jose Mourinho ‘vetoed’ five years ago

Manchester United are reportedly considering a move for Paris Saint-Germain star Marco Verratti as Erik ten Hag eyes midfield reinforcements. 

The Red Devils had the chance to sign the Italy international five years ago but Jose Mourinho allegedly ‘vetoed’ the deal.

Verratti is undoubtedly a top player. The 30-year-old has made 416 appearances for PSG, winning a stunning 30 major trophies in the process.

With that in mind, he could be exactly the kind of player Man Utd need to become serial trophy winners again. It’s no secret that Ten Hag wants to sign a new midfielder before the transfer window closes.

The likes of Casemiro and Mason Mount were largely anonymous in the Red Devil’s 2-0 defeat to Tottenham on Saturday, so a quality number six is definitely needed.

Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat has been considered to be Man Utd’s top target for some time. Recent reports suggest, however, that Liverpool are now leading the race for the Moroccan.

As a result, Ten Hag may have to switch his attention to alternatives, with the manager now considering a move for Verratti.

Bayern Munich are also interesed in the PSG star, though, so Man Utd will have to move quickly to get a deal done.

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Man Utd join race for Verratti

Verratti is set to end an 11-year stay at the Parc des Princes this summer. PSG have made him available to other clubs, and there is plenty of interest in his signature.

According to the Mirror, Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli have been in talks to sign Verratti. Several European clubs are now pushing to sign him, including, as mentioned, Bayern Munich.

A move back to his homeland Italy is also an option for Verratti, too. In a recent interview, his agent Rafaela Pimenta said: “Sooner or later an Italian thinks of going home. He [Verratti] always wants to return. I can’t say that this is not the case for him.”

The report claims that Man Utd ‘cannot be ruled out’ of the race, though, so we could see them make a bid for the Italian if they do miss out on Amrabat.

It isn’t clear how much the Red Devils would have to pay to sign Verratti this summer. Previous reports suggest, however, that PSG would consider offers in the region of €80m (£68.4m).

With his experience at the highest level, Verratti could form a formidable midfield partnership with Casemiro. It will be interesting to see if Man Utd make an offer for him in the next week or so.

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