Ezri Konsa
Manchester United’s collapse against Chelsea last night effectively ends their slim hopes of qualifying for next season’s Champions League. – Fifth place may be good enough to qualify given UCL’s expanded format next year. But with Manchester United trailing Tottenham in fifth place with a whopping nine points and Aston Villa fourth with 11 points, the Red Devils may have to settle for one of the lesser European competitions.
There will be major changes at Old Trafford this summer, and this applies to administration, sporting management and players.
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Manchester United’s defense is, to put it mildly, porous. Chelsea were able to fire shot after shot and if you include the match against Brentford last weekend, they let in as many as 59 shots in two games.
The future of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans is probably not at Old Trafford. Evans and Varane are out of contract at the end of the season. West Ham are aiming to make another attempt to sign Maguire, while reports from Italy suggest Wan-Bissaka’s time is up.
The Evening Standard reports that talks about Nice’s left-back Melvin Bard. Given Nice is owned by Ratcliffe and INEOS, a deal should be easy to do.
At least a new centre-back will be needed from before, we know that Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite is at the top of Manchester United’s list. Football Transfers writes that Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa, who is equally good at right-back, is still exciting for Manchester United.
Last summer, Ezri Konsa was uncertain about his future at Aston Villa, he felt that he did not get the recognition he deserved. – Manager Unai Emery agreed and pushed for an improved agreement.
The 26-year-old has signed an agreement until 2028 and with a significantly better salary. The Athletic reports that Unai Emery has lifted Konsa’s game to a whole new level. He received his first call-up to the England national team last November and made his debut in the friendly with Brazil last month. (A match Brazil won 0 – 1)
Aston Villa are reluctant to sell such a capable and reliable performer. However, pressure to comply with Financial Fair Play may play a role in their thinking now that Manchester United are planning a solid bid.
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