1
Manchester United’s right wing issues are well-known with high-profile names letting manager Erik ten Hag down earlier on in the season.
Jadon Sancho and his camp launched a tirade of accusations against the Dutchman which forced the manager to banish him from the squad and subsequently loaning him out to former club Borussia Dortmund in January.
Antony, who was the former Ajax coach’s big-money buy in his first season, has been a no-show throughout the campaign with off-field controversies partly to blame for a lack of form.
Marcus Rashford has never been comfortable playing on the right flank while Facundo Pellistri proved he was too raw to start games. Ten Hag was forced to shunt Alejandro Garnacho to the opposite flank and he has made the position his own as of now.
RW problems
But with the Mancunian’s form and motivation coming into question almost every week, the Argentine might be required to get back to his favoured position.
And a right wing solution could be required if both Sancho and Antony end up leaving as per rumours. And new co-owners INEOS already have greenlit a deal for a replacement, in the form of Michael Olise of Crystal Palace.
The Frenchman has scored seven goals while providing four assists in 10 starts in the Premier League this campaign, while he managed two goals and 11 assists last season, including a last-minute stunner against the Red Devils.
The Peoples Person had relayed that a deal for the Eagles star would not be as straightforward as INEOS would have hoped for due to the club’s lack of Champions League football next season.
The France U21 international is reportedly looking at moving to a Champions League club and Football Insider have claimed Arsenal could jump for the 22-year-old.
“Arsenal and Man United have joined the race to sign Crystal Palace star Michael Olise ahead of the summer transfer window, sources have told Football Insider.
Arsenal, Chelsea are ready to jump
“The Gunners are ready to raid their London rivals for the 22-year-old in the off-season as they plan attacking reinforcements.”
Last season, Chelsea came very close to a deal only for the move to fall through at the last moment with the winger agreeing a new deal with the team from Selhurst Park.
However, the Blues have remained in contact with the Eagles and are expected to try their best at agreeing a new deal as per Teamtalk.
Chelsea, under Todd Boehly, have not been afraid to splash the cash and United should be wary of being dragged into a bidding war.
“Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise is one of the most in-demand and coveted creative players in the Premier League right now and there is serious interest from the world’s greatest sides.
“Chelsea are among them and TEAMtalk can exclusively reveal they have remained in contact over a deal via co-director of recruitment Joe Shields.
“The London side face a major challenge to convince him to return to Stamford Bridge as there is big competition from Manchester United, who are considered the favourites as things stand by TEAMtalk sources.”
Is Olise the perfect fit?
One thing is for certain, Olise will cost way more than his previous release clause of £35 million. But the player’s injury record is not too great.
The former Reading star has already missed 20 games due to a recurrent hamstring injury this season while last term, he was out for 13 games.
United have a penchant for buying injury-riddled players as seen from their past dealings with Anthony Martial and Phil Jones and more recently, Raphael Varane.
Whether INEOS will sanction a big-money move for Olise remains to be seen. When on form, the Frenchman can certainly provide the creative spark needed but the Red Devils can ill-afford to make further mistakes moving forward.
Want to be the first to hear breaking Man United news? For carefully selected, crucial updates, join our WhatsApp channel: https://bit.ly/United-Breaking-News.
