Transfer News: Yaya Toure hints at shock Manchester United switch

Outgoing Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure has hinted at a potential switch to Manchester United in a shock move this summer.

In an interview with Manchester Evening News, Yaya Toure has refused to rule out a shock move to Manchester United in the summer transfer window, while adding he wants to mentor Paul Pogba. The Ivorian midfielder’s contract with Manchester City runs out at the end of the season.

Toure played a pivotal role in Manchester City’s rise as a force in English football, winning three Premier League titles in addition to three other cup competitions. Chipping in with vital goals from midfield, the player was a force to be reckoned with during his eight-year stint at the Etihad – a period in which he was one of the best midfielders in the world.

His record for Manchester City is truly exemplary, having made 316 appearances for Manchester City, with 79 goals and 50 assists to show for his efforts. The only major blip in his illustrious career with the Citizens came under Pep Guardiola, under whom he became a bit-part player, falling rapidly in the pecking order.

But, Toure departs from Manchester City a true club legend, looking to end his career with possibly the final contract of his playing career. In his own words, the 35-year-old intends to remain in the Premier League, even though it’ll be strange to face his former club. But, could his next club be bitter rivals Manchester United, where he could replace Michael Carrick?

“Yeah he [Carrick] just left. Let’s see, let’s see. I don’t rule big teams out. The big teams are very important for me. What they want to achieve, the way they want to go, for me is very important. I want to go somewhere I can win and achieve.”

He then went on to add that he would like to mentor Paul Pogba, whose return to Manchester United hasn’t exactly gone to plan, with the Frenchman struggling to perform on a consistent basis.

“Pogba – it’s difficult because of the way the media has treated him. We don’t have the same characteristics because for me I was involved in all the ball, I ran everywhere. Pogba is the same size, power – but different in the way he wants to go. Technically as well, the ability to score goals as well. It is a player I want to play with, to be honest, just to teach him some things.”

A move to Manchester United will indeed be shocking, considering he represented one of their biggest rivals for several years. But, with the Red Devils in the market for a midfielder, a move for Toure could just happen, although he is only likely to be a bit-part player at Old Trafford as well.

Additionally, Toure should only be an option if Manchester United have secured their primary targets in midfield, post which adding the veteran could be a good move as far as the development of Pogba is concerned. Nevertheless, this looks like a transfer that is unlikely to happen considering his history with Manchester City.