We won’t sell Ritchie to you, Bournemouth warn United
Matt Ritchie: Heading north
Bournemouth have “no intention” of selling Matt Ritchie to Manchester United, amid claims Louis van Gaal is planning a January swoop for the £10million-rated winger.
The Scotland international has been one of the Cherries most consistent performers this season and his displays have seen him linked with a January move to Old Trafford.
Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe says he’s not surprised by the amount of interest his star player is generating, but insists Bournemouth ‘won’t be bullied’ into parting company with Ritchie.
“Matty’s (Ritchie) a good player so it’s not a surprise to me he’s linked to the top clubs,” Howe told Sky Sports.
“Matt Ritchie on form and playing well is a threat to anybody.
“Whenever any of our players gets linked, it’s not welcome by us. We’re not a selling club and we certainly want to keep the squad together if we can in January and not the other way.”
When pressed on the Manchester United speculation, Howe admitted Bournemouth would consider any potential offer on face value.
“We’d have to see that (a United bid) on its individual merit, but certainly we’re not looking to sell him,” Howe said.