Manchester United are reportedly not interested in signing Anwar El Ghazi and will not pursue the former Aston Villa winger, despite Jadon Sancho and Antony uncertainty.
According to The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell, Manchester United have decided not to sign Anwar El Ghazi, whose services had been offered to the club by his agent as an emergency short-term replacement. The Red Devils have other ideas to address their ongoing right-wing crisis amid uncertainty over expensively assembled wing duo Antony and Jadon Sancho.
Shocking reports emerged on Monday night, claiming that United were looking into the possibility of an emergency move for the former Aston Villa winger before Wednesday’s Premier League squad submission deadline.
The right-winger bagged nine goals in 33 appearances for PSV prior to contract termination and played just twice on loan at Everton in 2021–22 before that, but it was at Villa Park where he carved a reputation for himself. He scored 26 goals and 16 assists in 119 games for the Midlands outfit, playing a crucial role as they clinched promotion back to the top flight in 2019 and helping them stay up during his next two seasons with them.
Although he would have been another one of the most astonishing quick fixes yet by the Red Devils, following in the footsteps of Wout Weghorst, Sergio Reguilon, and Odion Ighalo, United boss Ten Hag would have never expected to be in such a predicament. A series of unprecedented circumstances have conspired to leave United short in a key attacking position as they look to kick-start their faltering season.
The Dutchman is without the services of his preferred pick for the right-wing position, Antony, for the foreseeable future after they mutually agreed on a leave of absence so he could respond to Brazilian media claims of abuse from three past girlfriends.
The 23-year-old has vehemently denied any wrongdoing and made a point of proving his innocence in public while supporting the investigation on social media and during a TV interview. Meanwhile, England international Sancho’s Old Trafford career hangs in the balance after he publicly accused Ten Hag of lying over his poor performance in training after he was dropped for the defeat at Arsenal.
Nevertheless, United have snubbed the chance to sign El Ghazi on an emergency short-term deal, as Ten Hag is content with his options.
While there’s doubt over Sancho’s future, United have Fecundo Pellestri and Alejandro Garnacho in wide areas. The 21-year-old Uruguayan, in particular, came off the bench against Wolves and Tottenham but might get a chance against Brighton this weekend as he looks to prove to Ten Hag that he deserves more opportunities.
It’s fair to say that the youngster’s confidence wouldn’t have been boosted if United chose to sign a stop-gap signing from the free agent market rather than use him. Both Mason Mount and Bruno Fernandes can play on the flanks if needed, while specialist right-winger Amad Diallo, who had a successful loan spell with Championship club Sunderland last season, would also be champing at the bit to show what he can do after his return from injury.
