Report: Manchester United eye move for breakout Celtic star
According to a report from Glasgow World, Manchester United have set their sights on Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley.
Matt O’Riley, 23, has developed well at Celtic since he arrived from MK Dons in January 2022. The central midfielder is enjoying his breakout campaign at Parkhead with 13 goals and 16 assists in 42 appearances across all competitions. His rise in Scottish football has not gone unnoticed as the 23-year-old earned his first cap for Denmark last year, and there is great optimism that he will make the squad for the 2024 European Championships in the summer.
Glasgow World reports that Manchester United have been monitoring Matt O’Riley since 2022. La Liga side Girona and Serie A giants Inter Milan are also admirers of the two-cap Denmark international, who was the subject of a failed £18million bid from Atletico Madrid in January.
Considering his consistent displays at the heart of the Hoops’ midfield this season, the 23-year-old’s list of suitors continues to grow. Celtic are set to demand a Scottish record-transfer fee for O’Riley when the transfer window reopens, the report adds.
New minority owners, INEOS are gearing up for an extensive overhaul of Man United’s structure and squad during the upcoming summer transfer window. A significant number of players, perhaps up to 12 players as per the Daily Mirror, could be offloaded at the end of the season as Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS look to make a strong start to the new era.
Midfield ambiguity surrounds stars such as Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, Scott McTominay and Sofyan Amrabat. Casemiro and Eriksen—Man United’s successful midfield pair last season—have shown signs of regressing this term, while Amrabat has endured a forgettable loan spell since moving from Fiorentina on last summer’s transfer deadline day. Despite enjoying a productive campaign as a goalscorer, McTominay could be on his way out of the club to free up resources and space in the squad.
Red Devil Armada’s verdict:
The Red Devils have been linked with plenty of midfielders, with the latest being Celtic star Matt O’Riley.
The London-born talent would be a smart addition to our club’s midfield, bringing energy, athleticism, creativity and goals. He could potentially form a strong partnership with Kobbie Mainoo and provide a strong base that has been lacking all season. Moreover, O’Riley certainly fits the mould of signings INEOS plan to make—young, talented and developing with massive potential.
With the race heating up for the player’s signature, the INOES must try wrapping up a deal for the Celtic midfielder as quickly as possible.