Manchester United: Ed Woodward fighting Leeds for the ‘next Lionel Messi’
By Bence Bocsak
Manchester United have a fight on their hands.
Ed Woodward is a resilient man. Despite a torrent of scrutiny and criticism and evident failure at Manchester United, the club chief has not given up his pursuit of forging the Red Devils into a formidable force once more.
In January the first inkling of change and steely determination came with his tough negotiation stance to secure Bruno Fernandes and likewise to allegedly pull out of the deal to sign Erling Braut Haland. In both instances Woodward stuck to his guns and that showed a level of mental fortitude which the club chief hadn’t really shown he was capable of.
Ultimately, his move to lure Odion Ighalo to the club was a relative success too, with the Nigerian becoming a cult favourite and scoring some memorable goals in the cup competitions for Solskjaer’s side.
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But the summer will offer the biggest challenge for Ed Woodward yet since his tenure at Old Trafford. In a difficult climate and amidst mass uncertainty the United chief will need to play his cards right in order to ensure the club gets the right reinforcements and necessary additions.
An attacking midfielder is clearly an area of interest for the club with United having been linked with a plethora of individuals already playing in that role.
Thiago Almada looks set to be yet another name. United have been linked with the Argentine youngster in the past.
However, according to a report by the Daily Express United will face competition for Thiago Almada with Leeds United preparing to make a move for the 19 year old.
In his homeland Thiago Almada has enjoyed a stellar breakout season and has drawn comparisons to Lionel Messi for his lithe and diminutive build and robust style as well as his low centre of gravity.
Of course comparisons are a bit far fetched to the great Argentine but there are shades of an exciting player in Thiago Almada.
He would not be a regular starter at Old Trafford, which Leeds may conversely be able to offer him. That could swing the deal in favour of Marcelo Bielsa’s side.
Only time will tell.
Next. It's time for Solsjaer to utilise his bench. dark
Would you regret missing out on Thiago Almada to Leeds United?