Opinion: What Messi secretly thinks about Manchester United
The Argentine’s time in Europe may be over, but that hasn’t stopped fans and football enthusiasts from wondering what Lionel Messi would be like in the English Premier League, especially with a top side like Manchester United.
While it may seem far-fetched, Messi has reportedly given a private view on the possibility of linking up with his former Barcelona teammate Xavi at Old Trafford.
With United in the midst of their worst start to a Premier League season since 1989, pressure is mounting on Erik ten Hag, and club intermediaries are said to be in talks with Xavi over a sensational replacement.
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For United fans, the idea of Xavi taking the reins brings more than just tactical intrigue—it brings memories of Barcelona’s golden era where he and Messi formed a legendary partnership.
Though Messi is now lighting up the MLS with Inter Miami at 37 years old, the prospect of a reunion with Xavi in England, however improbable, could spark a frenzy among the Old Trafford faithful.
Back in 2007, Messi rejected a move to United when Sir Alex Ferguson was still at the helm, but fast forward to today, and things might be different.
In 2020, The Athletic reported that Messi was ‘more charmed’ by the idea of playing for “historic English clubs like Manchester United.” And with Xavi’s potential arrival in Manchester, the idea of Messi donning the famous red jersey once again rears its head—no matter how unlikely.
Three things we learned from Barcelona v Man Utd – Punch Newspapers
The World Cup winner prior to his move to Paris Saint-Germain in the 2021/22 season drew links to Manchester City as speculations emerged on a reunion with former coach, Pep Guardiola.
While it’s hard to imagine Messi making the switch to England at this stage of his career, Xavi’s move could theoretically give him a reason to consider it.
Having worked together during their glory days at Camp Nou, Xavi’s leadership at Old Trafford could be the one thing that tempts Messi toward an unexpected Premier League chapter before his playing days come to a close.
But, of course, in football, dreams rarely come true—especially when they involve one of the game’s greatest ever players making a dramatic final act in the theatre of dreams
(L-R) Serge Gnabry, Alphonso Davies, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, Noussair Mazraoui, Daniel Peretz, Aleksandra Pavlovic, Eric Dier, Leroy Sane, Manuel…
Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images
Manchester United are looking to the next transfer windows already and have plans in place to make a big push to sign a player heavily courted by Real Madrid.
The Red Devils made a number of signings in the summer to help Erik ten Hag but once again, the start to the season has been inconsistent.
However, with INEOS not showing any sign of getting rid of Ten Hag just yet, United are being linked with yet more players in January and next summer.
For Ten Hag, the key now is adding players of significant quality who can improve the first XI.
And according to journalist Florian Plettenberg, Bayern Munich defender Alphonso Davies is emerging as a realistic target for United.
Alphonso Davies of FC Bayern Munchen celebrates after scoring the team’s first goal during the Semi-final Second Leg – UEFA Champions League 2023/2…
Photo by Pablo Morano/BSR Agency/Getty Images
Manchester United pushing hard to sign Alphonso Davies
However, TBR Football sources have suggested that Davies had been more likely to sign for Real Madrid, with the Spanish giants believing privately they have a ‘done deal’ when it comes to the Bayern star.
But taking to X to share a new update on the Davies situation, Sky Sports Germany’s Florian Plettenberg has now claimed that Davies to United is very much on the table as well.
🚨🔴 Manchester United’s interest in Alphonso #Davies is becoming more concrete ✔️#MUFC have been gathering extensive information on Davies for several days. The 23y/o would be a desired transfer for the vacant left-back position, as recently revealed.
In recent months,… pic.twitter.com/khmCGnwbsM
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) October 25, 2024
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Alphonso Davies walked into Man United’s XI
When you look at players in European or world football who can instantly improve most teams in the world, then Alphonso Davies is in the conversation.
The full-back – who can also play further forward if needed – is a superstar over in Munich and will have very much earned a move elsewhere if it does come about.
Lauded over in Germany as an ‘unbelievable‘ talent, Davies would very much tick the box for United in terms of finding someone who can replace Luke Shaw.
Shaw is an excellent player himself but fitness issues have blighted his career and at some point, United will call it a day and replace him.
Davies, then, is as good as it gets.
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