It was positive to hear Mino Raiola this week discussing Paul Pogba’s desire to stay at Manchester United.
Respect him or loathe him, Raiola is a well connected figure across football, and it is better for United to have him onside than making him an adversary.
Raiola’s previous annoyance with United was a contributing factor to missing out on Erling Haaland earlier this year.
There does appear to have been a reconciliation of sorts, with Raiola publicly reaching out to support chief executive Ed Woodward after his home was targeted by United fans back in January.
So having Raiola back onside can re-open doors to his clients, and one of them in particular is worth looking at.
Calvin Stengs: Ready to shine
United know about Calvin Stengs, having gone up against him twice with AZ Alkmaar earlier this year.
Stengs is considered one of Dutch football’s brightest talents. He is a right winger, a position United need to strengthen.
This past season Stengs contributed 10 goals and provided 12 assists in all competitions, per transfermarkt.
The 21-year-old was called up by the Netherlands international team for the first time last November.
Stengs was likened by SmarterScout in style to Bernardo Silva, with WhoScored.com note ‘Key Passes’ as his strength.
This past season in the Eredivisie, Stengs created an average of 2.4 chances per game, the sixth highest in the division and by way of comparison, just 0.1 fewer than Jack Grealish managed in the Premier League.
Earlier this year Bleacher Report claimed Stengs had a ‘higher ceiling’ than David Silva due to his combination of athleticism and technical quality, while also tipping him as a good fit for Manchester United.
United may have to move fast
Ronald Koeman’s recent appointment at Barcelona may prove problematic if United do want Stengs.
The manager who handed Stengs his international debut last year is reported by Sky Sports to be planning a move for the Dutch talent.
The Lionel Messi saga has potential to hold up Barcelona’s activity, so United could still move in.
Stengs is exactly the type of bright, cheap, high-upside talent who United should be gambling on.
It is very logical to argue that in this climate, United should not pay a club record fee for Jadon Sancho, despite the temptation.
So if United do not move for Sancho, far cheaper deals for top talent of the like of Stengs should be a top priority.
With Raiola onside, this is a deal United are capable of pulling off.
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