Manchester United are reportedly set to reignite their interest in Borussia Dortmund superstar Axel Witsel, formerly their midfield target.
According to a report by ESPN, Axel Witsel is the subject of interest from Manchester United once again, with a move being planned for next summer’s transfer window. The Premier League heavyweights had even been keen on landing the Belgian midfielder this past summer before he joined Borrusia Dortmund.
Witsel has been an instant success since returning to European football after spending 18 months at Chinese Super League club Tianjin Quanjian. At Borussia Dortmund, the player took little time in establishing himself as a key figure, playing a major role in their ascent to the Bundesliga summit.
While the forwards have commanded the spotlight for the most part, it is Witsel’s tenacious display in the middle of the park that often takes the pressure off the front-men while handing them the required freedom. But, his exploits have alerted one his long-term suitors – Manchester United.
The Red Devils have previously made several attempts to land the Belgian international, who is also a former midfield target for Jose Mourinho from his days at Chelsea. Manchester United were even eager to sign the 29-year-old in the summer, before their pursuit ended up being futile.
In fact, it later emerged that Witsel had turned down the chance to join Manchester United. But, the player remains an appealing target for the Premier League heavyweights, who have been rather underwhelming in the middle of the park this season.
In particular, the regression of Nemanja Matic has hit Manchester United hard. Mourinho does not have any other natural defensive midfielder at his disposal now, although summer signing Fred has shown some promising signs in the few chances that have been afforded to him. As a result, he has set his sights on Witsel.
In fact, the Manchester United boss was in attendance to watch Witsel in action for Belgium earlier this month, as per the report, after it had initially emerged that was travelling to Antwerp to monitor Romelu Lukaku and his progress from a recent injury.
Swooping Witsel away from Westfalenstadion though, will likely be a tall order, especially considering how pivotal he has been in Borussia Dortmund’s blistering campaign thus far. The player too, recently exclaimed that joining the Bundesliga leaders was the best decision he has ever made.
All things considered, landing Axel Witsel could be a tough ask for Manchester United, when they plan to launch the offensive for him next summer. It will be interesting to see if they can indeed finally sign him, a prospect which will depend entirely on how the campaign progresses for the player and Borussia Dortmund.
