Manchester United likely have a couple of transfer regrets from the summer despite landing several impressive additions in Raphael Varane, Jadon Sancho and Cristiano Ronaldo.
A dream summer was let down by the decision not to buy a central midfielder, and there is another possible regret too – being unable to complete the signing of right-back Kieran Trippier.
The Telegraph reported how Trippier was keen on a move, but United did not meet Atletico Madrid’s asking price, choosing to prioritise elsewhere.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s mixed form at right-back this season has highlighted the need for competition at the position, with Diogo Dalot unable to shift him from the starting XI.
Mauricio Pochettino’s potential Manchester United arrival [The Mail] would only serve to enhance the club’s chances of striking a deal for the defender.
Trippier incoming?
Trippier was a key part of Mauricio Pochettino’s team at Tottenham Hotspur.
Pochettino signed Trippier from Burnley and helped the defender develop into an England international, replacing Kyle Walker in his side, and later earning a move to Atletico Madrid.
Trippier was a regular in the Tottenham team which reached the Champions League final.
The right-back pushed for a move in 2019 to Atletico, and Tottenham struggled without him after he left, a factor Pochettino will have noted.
Despite leaving the club on fractious terms, with Trippier unclear if he was still wanted, there is strong respect between the pair.
After Pochettino lost his job at Tottenham, Trippier told The Athletic: “He gave me the opportunity to play at the highest levelHe was a big reason why I got called up to the England squad because he was the one who gave me the opportunity to show I could play at the highest level. I’ve got full respect for him and for what he did to help me get to where I am now.
“I sent him a message to tell him how much I appreciate everything he has done for me.”
Kounde and Tripper of interest
A report from Spanish newspaper La Razon claims Pochettino has identified Trippier as his first potential signing for United if he gets the job.
Trippier is into the last 18 months of his contract at Atletico, and even if United wait until next summer, a move could well be on.
The newspaper also claims Pochettino is keen on Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde.
But this move would be noticeably tougher, with Kounde having a sizeable release clause.
Spanish newspaper AS reported earlier this month that United remain keen on Kounde.
If Eric Bailly pushes for a move to play regular football elsewhere, then signing the talented French defender could be an appealing proposition for United – but a defensive midfielder is arguably going to be needed even more so, considering the price Kounde would cost.
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