This one has divided opinion.
Prior to signing Nemanja Matic from Chelsea for an initial £35m, Jose Mourinho had very publicly stated that he absolutely needed three, but ideally wanted four, incomings at Manchester United this summer. The Serbian was of course the third addition (after Victor Lindelof and Romelu Lukaku), with an attacking wide player coveted for number four.
Croatian marauder Ivan Perisic seems to be Mourinho’s number one target for the latter, but it’s all gone decidedly quiet on that front. This may be because attention has now turned to an alternative option, with Emil Forsberg touted as a target, or perhaps Ed Woodward is readying himself for one final big push to bring Gareth Bale to Old Trafford.
Regardless, it seems as though the ‘four’ that Jose keeps referring to may not be a maximum number. Certainly there’s been much talk of potential rightbacks joining the club to provide competition/cover for Antonio Valencia. PSG’s Serge Aurier has been linked (pending visa complications), and even transfer window favourite Fabinho has been touted.
And much like the Monaco man, another midfield/fullback hybrid has emerged as a possible recruit. According to reports in Spain, United have submitted an initial offer for Barcelona utility man Sergi Roberto. According to Mundo Deportivo, Barca have turned down the opening bid of £36m, with the expectation that United will return with a higher offer.
https://twitter.com/JhawandA/status/891890155459620864
Roberto is a graduate of the Catalans’ much-heralded La Masia finishing school, and as such is technically proficient in most aspects of the game. His preferred position is at the heart of the action in midfield, but he has done a fine job for the Barca first team as a more than capable right-back. Still, he is more a useful squad option rather than automatic starter.
News that the 25-year-old could be heading to Old Trafford has been greeted with a mixed reception amongst United fans. The midfielder/winger/defender is seen by some as a Jack 0f all trades and master of none, whilst others would welcome a technically proficient utility man able to cover a number of positions in the team.
With Chelsea also expressing an interest, it says a lot of the player that both Mourinho and Antonio Conte seem to be serious admirers.
https://twitter.com/dotun_ade/status/894508492647804928
Why people rate Sergi Roberto? Honest question.
He's a bench player at best…— J (@Jaenchuu) August 4, 2017
Sergi Roberto was the 2nd best RB in La Liga last season and that was his 1st full season in that position. Fuck anyone who doesn't rate him
— Papa Bee (@DuMaMayBe) August 7, 2017
Funnily enough Sergi Roberto covers the same positions as Fabinho. Both versatile, but I don't see Roberto improving the first XI either!
— Karan Patel (@karanmufc87) August 7, 2017
Sergi Roberto would be a quality signing for #MUFC
— Jake Emery (@emers4) August 7, 2017
https://twitter.com/paulmufc05/status/894497004423970816
I'd be very happy with Sergi Roberto at United 🙏🙏🙏🙏
— Woah, there (@AWDerp) August 7, 2017
https://twitter.com/Rosco8000/status/894485327951396864
*runs to check Sergi Roberto's FIFA ratings*
— • (@prodbydomi) August 7, 2017
