Brazilian prodigy Gabriel Veron has been urged by Barcelona legend and compatriot Rivaldo to join Manchester City instead of rivals Manchester United
In an interview with Betfair, as quoted by Goal, Manchester United have received a bit of a blow in pursuit of Gabriel Veron. The 18-year-old Brazilian has been advised by Barcelona legend Rivaldo to snub the Red Devils and instead favour a move to their neighbours City.
Gabriel Veron is a player who has grabbed a lot of eyeballs since breaking into the Palmeiras first-team setup in 2019. Over the past 18 months, the teenage prodigy has gone from strength to strength at the Allianz Parque, which has piqued the interest of some of the biggest clubs in the world.
The likes of Arsenal, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus have all been linked with the 18-year-old, but in recent weeks, Premier League duo Manchester City and Manchester United have taken a lead in the race to sign the Brazilian prospect.
Manchester United have been desperately looking for a solution to their right wing woes, which have been compounded this season by Mason Greenwood’s struggles. While Marcus Rashford has shown some potential when deployed on the flank on the odd occasion, it would behoove United to sign a natural in the position instead.
To that end, Amad Diallo has been signed from Atalanta as a solution for the future, while Facundo Pellistri will also be an option for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Veron, though, would add some much-needed competition for the position, making him a viable target for Manchester United. As for Manchester City, the youngster’s addition is needed as much.
Since the departure of Leroy Sane, Ferran Torres has come in at Manchester City, but with Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez being the only other natural wingers at Pep Guardiola’s disposal, it is not hard to see why the Citizens are looking at Veron as a long-term solution. And, Manchester City have now been handed some sort of a boost in pursuit of the 18-year-old.
Speaking to Betfair (h/t Goal), Rivaldo has urged Veron to snub Manchester United and instead join Manchester City. The Barcelona legend said, “There are strong rumours that Manchester United and Manchester City are chasing Gabriel Veron’s signing from Palmeiras and I think that the Manchester club that wins this particular fight will be properly rewarded.”
“Veron has lots of talent and a bright future ahead so it’s no coincidence to see two big English clubs chasing him, and he could perform for either club without problems. If he has the choice between the two clubs, I suggest City because they are the more stable club nowadays, with a solid tactical system implemented by Pep Guardiola, which is not the case with Manchester United, despite also being a fantastic club.”
The latest development comes as a blow for Manchester United, who have been reported to be in pole position to land the youngster. It will now be interesting to see if they can make good on their current position to secure Veron’s services quickly, or if he heeds Rivaldo’s advice and opts for Manchester City.
