Man Utd hopes fade as Raiola bias steers another star man elsewhere

Ryan Gravenberch, Ajax training

Manchester United appear destined to miss out on the signing of in-demand Ajax sensation Ryan Gravenberch after his agent opened talks with Juventus.

United’s transfer policy is to sign the best young talent from around the globe. For example, they have secured deals for the likes of Facundo Pellistri and Amad Diallo in recent months. Gravenberch recently emerged as another target, having stood out since his promotion to the Ajax first team in 2018.

The midfielder has been entrusted with a bigger role this season after Donny van de Beek’s departure to Old Trafford. Indeed, the 18-year-old has four goals and six assists from 35 appearances this season. Such form has earned him the tag of the ‘next Paul Pogba’.

“He is the new Paul Pogba,” Roma’s Justin Kluivert said to DAZN. “He is very good and very young and is truly a top player.”

United’s interest in recruiting Gravenberch is well documented. They were reported to be keeping tabs on him back in January, with Barcelona also credited with an interest.

Aware of his potential, Ajax have tied the teenager down to a contract until 2023.

However, Ajax are well aware that their best talents don’t hang around for long and keeping away from the big hitters will prove tricky.

Ole: I can't let Raiola's Pogba comments affect me

Ole: I can't let Raiola's Pogba comments affect me

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says he cannot get distracted by Mino Raiola's comments claiming Paul Pogba wants to leave Manchester United, particularly with the derby coming up against Manchester City on Saturday, live on Sky Sports.

Now it seems Juventus have taken their first steps forwards securing his deal after opening talks with his agent Mino Raiola. According to Calciomercato, the Old Lady have been following the Dutch midfielder for many years. And, in trying to win the race for his signature, they claim CFO Fabio Paratici met with Raiola earlier this month to discuss a prospective transfer.


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Raiola unlikely to deal with United over Gravenberch

Furthermore, it seems United’s chances of landing Gravenberch are over. Raiola has admitted, in an X-rated interview, that he has no desire to deal with United as far as his clients are concerned.

Raiola told The Athletic: “With Mr Ferguson or [Pep] Guardiola, I have this problem — and I think that it is changing now — that (they believe) we should submit to them because ‘otherwise, tomorrow, you don’t do a player with Manchester United’.

Mino Raiola super agent

“I don’t give a f*ck if I never do another player with Manchester United. I’m not in their hands. I’m independent. We have only one party that we take care of: our players. And as long as our players like us, you do what you have to do.”

Elaborating on his client Paul Pogba’s time in England, Raiola was asked if the France star was under-appreciated. Raiola though was unrepentent in his answer.

“It depends if you mean appreciated by the fans or by the professionals in the game. Because if you mean the professionals, I talk to a lot of sporting directors, managers, trainers. He’s widely appreciated.”

READ MORE: Man Utd establish firm contact as €65m Spain star’s transfer nears