Manchester United
Premier League • England
Man Utd in mind-blowing free agent bid, as former Aston Villa attacker hunted amid double concern
Wesley and Anwar El Ghazi celebrate Aston Villa goal in 2019
Manchester United are considering a move for left-field attacking option Anwar El Ghazi amid Erik ten Hag’s problems with current wingers Jadon Sancho and Antony, according to a report.
Sancho has fallen out with his manager after he was left out of the squad for the 3-1 defeat to Arsenal before the international break. Ten Hag accused him of not training properly, but the 23-year-old issued a public statement labelling this ‘completely untrue’.
Antony, meanwhile, has mutually agreed a ‘period of absence’ with Man Utd in order to address assault allegations made by his former girlfriend, Gabriela Cavallin.
There are growing rumours Sancho could depart Old Trafford in January, while it is unclear how the Antony situation will pan out.
As per the Daily Mail, Ten Hag’s issues in the winger department have forced him to look on the free agent market. They claim Man Utd are ‘weighing up’ a shock move for El Ghazi, who was on Aston Villa’s books between July 2018 and August 2022, while also spending six months on loan at Everton.
El Ghazi, 28, watched Man Utd in action during their disappointing loss to Arsenal.
READ MORE – Man Utd: ‘secret clause’ in Amrabat contract revealed, with Ten Hag holding the power
The report states that El Ghazi also has an offer to join Saudi Arabia on what would be a lucrative contract. However, he could be given an opportunity to continue his career at the very highest level if Man Utd step up their interest by submitting a formal contract offer.
It would be a big shock if Man Utd completed such a move. While El Ghazi is a player with plenty of Premier League and Championship experience, he generally would not be considered good enough to make a big impact for the Red Devils.
Anwar El Ghazi eyed as Sancho replacement
But Man Utd, who spent a combined £159m on Sancho and Antony, are having to stoop to a surprising low by pursuing a free agent as it is unclear when Sancho or Antony will represent them again.
El Ghazi’s best season in the English top flight came in 2020-21, when he managed 10 goals in 28 league appearances. However, the two-cap Netherlands international fell down the pecking order at Villa the following campaign and was resultantly loaned to Everton in the winter transfer window.
He left Villa for good last summer, joining Dutch club PSV in a deal worth £3.5million. But El Ghazi is now a free agent after leaving PSV through mutual consent last week, allowing Man Utd to move for him outside of a transfer window.