Nicolas Tagliafico is enduring a real struggle at Lyon having been blocked from signing for Manchester United in August.
United were forced to back into the market for another left back before the summer transfer deadline.
Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia were both ruled out through injury, meaning Erik ten Hag had to bring in another option.
United ended up landing Sergio Reguilon on loan from Tottenham Hotspur, but a host of other options were considered.
Some have ended up impressing, such as Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella, and others are going in the opposite direction…
Nicolas Tagliafico enduring Lyon struggles after Manchester United interest
United looked into a deal for Lyon left back Nicolas Tagliafico, at least according to Fabrizio Romano.
Romano claimed that United made a call to Lyon to ask about a potential deal for the Argentinian.
The move made sense; United boss Ten Hag hailed Tagliafico having previously worked together at Ajax.
Lyon blocked a move though having demanded a mandatory purchase clause, something United didn’t fancy.
Tagliafico was left fuming according to Foot Mercato, believing that a dream move to United had been unfairly kiboshed.
The 31-year-old has still been playing for Lyon but now finds himself in a tricky position.
Tagliafico wasn’t even on the bench against Clermont Foot at the weekend and has now explained why in quotes published by Fabrizio Romano.
Tagliafico claims that new Lyon boss Fabio Grosso axed him from the squad because he went to watch rugby last Friday night.
Argentina were in Rugby World Cup action against New Zealand at the Stade de France, two days before Lyon’s game against Clermont Foot.
Tagliafico went to the game and Grosso allegedly didn’t like it, meaning the left back must now work to get back in Grosso’s good books.
“I returned in good shape, I was ready — the manager decided not to play me and I accepted that,” said Tagliafico. “The coach also told me that he wasn’t happy with me going at the rugby game on free Friday night. I respect that, we keep going strong together,” he added.
My view: United door surely closed for Tagliafico
Tagliafico was frustrated with his move being scrapped and may be even angrier now Grosso has left him out of the Lyon squad.
The potential move to United felt like a one-off given the injury problems and we can’t see the internet returning in 2024.
Shaw and Malacia will be back soon enough and Reguilon has actually been impressive at left back.
United are unlikely to be in the market for another left back any time soon and Tagliafico’s chance at a United move has surely gone.
Still, if Grosso doesn’t like Tagliafico going to watch rugby, maybe we will see him on the move come January – just not to Old Trafford.
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