Serie A midfielder admits he is a big Manchester United fan despite his Man City past

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Manchester City may be the dominant force in the Premier League these days but, still, the gulf of popularity between themselves and Manchester United remains pretty colossal.

A case in point; even when this Serie A midfielder was honing his talents in Man City’s academy, his blood remained – literally and metaphorically – a deep shade of red.

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru spent 11 years at Manchester United’s neighbours until his departure in 2020.

And he has now revealed that Manchester United were in his heart all along.

Former City man Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is a Manchester United fan

Dele Bashiru explained in a recent interview with Football Fans Tribe: “I watch a lot of games at home, a lot of leagues.

“I support Barcelona and Manchester United, though when I started playing for City I put United aside!”

“This season, I’m trying to improve tactically, especially in the defensive phase,” adds the German-born Nigerian. “I think I can do it.

“The role where I feel best? Attacking midfielder. Not exactly the number 10, but as a mezzala with a midfielder who is further back.

“That’s where I feel best.”

United dream a long way away

The Red Devils have been linked pretty regularly with shock moves for those who previously enjoyed spells on the other side of the city. Bayern Munich’s Leroy Sane addressed those Man United rumours this week, for instance, with Danilo and Pedro Porro reportedly on the radar too.

But if Dele-Bashiru is ever to follow in the footsteps of Jadon Sancho – returning to Manchester after a few years on the continent – the midfielder may need his Lazio spell to be as impressive as Sancho’s time at Borussia Dortmund.

And, so far, it’s been a bit of a struggle.

Dele-Bashiru, who joined Italian giants Lazio in a £6 million loan-to-buy deal from Hatayspor over the summer, has played only nine minutes across the last 10 Serie A matchdays.

But after establishing himself as one of the finest goalscoring midfielders in Turkish football last term – he scored nine goals and set up six more for Hatayspor – that switch to Rome at least means his career is going in the right direction.