Manchester United have been at the centre of transfer rumours with a new target for Ruben Amorim, as well as getting caught up in a row involving Benjamin Sesko
The international break doesn’t necessarily mean fewer problems for the Premier League’s top clubs, as Manchester United have discovered.
Ruben Amorim’s squad have been dealing with the fallout from Benjamin Sesko’s knee injury against Tottenham. The Slovenian striker was ruled out of international duty after sustaining an injury just before the international break – a major blow to the Red Devils’ frontline.
However, United have received praise for their management of the situation, despite some initial tension with the Slovenian FA. In other news, Amorim is reportedly considering a return to his former club Sporting CP as he seeks a young talent who could fill a crucial gap in the team.
Here’s the latest updates from Old Trafford as United strive to maintain their upward trajectory.
Amorim targets Sporting prodigy
United are believed to be hot on the heels of Sporting CP’s young star Salvador Blopa, who is making quite a name for himself back in Lisbon.
A year after Amorim left Estadio Jose Alvalade, the United boss could return to his old haunt to snap up a promising new player, reports the Mirror.
Blopa, 18, is reportedly seen as a potential long-term solution to United’s issues at right wing-back, a position the club has struggled with in recent years.
Players like Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui have shared duties in this role this season, but neither has truly made the position their own yet.
The Daily Mail have reported United could face competition from Real Madrid in their pursuit of the teenage prodigy, Blopa, but Amorim’s connections at Sporting could be a key advantage for the Red Devils in getting the deal done.
The youngster only made his first-team debut for Sporting last month, scoring twice in a 5-1 Taca de Liga victory over Alverca.
Standing at 6ft 2in, Blopa is versatile enough to play anywhere down the right flank, but he may still be considered too raw to make the leap to Old Trafford just yet.
While United aren’t thought to be planning a busy January transfer window, the need to fill a gap in the squad could spur them into action.
Sesko row and fallout
A row between Slovenia and the English media has been brewing this week, all stemming from Sesko’s injury setback.
It seems Slovenia were less than pleased with the lack of communication they allegedly received from Old Trafford.
Sesko, a summer signing, was forced off during the 2-2 draw against Tottenham last weekend, despite coming on as a substitute himself. His injury seemed serious enough as his withdrawal left United to finish the match with 10 men.
This prompted a response from Slovenia manager Matjaz Kek, who was counting on his star player to be fit for crucial World Cup qualifiers against Kosovo and Sweden.
Despite initially demanding “maximum respect” after seemingly being kept in the dark, he later downplayed the dispute after receiving an update from Manchester.
Kek also criticised the English press for allegedly blowing the situation out of proportion. However, he bears no grudge against United after they made contact.
Kek said: “Completely expected from the English media. But I emphasise once again – the moment communication was established between us and the Manchester United medical team, the problem was solved in five minutes.
“I thank the club for their cooperation. Our medical team checked their documentation. The matter was quickly resolved.
I wish Benjamin a successful rehabilitation and a speedy return to the field, because everyone who knows him knows that he feels best there.”