Why super agent could hold key to Man United’s future success
Published:
The role of agents in modern-day football is a controversial subject with many purists deriding the need for such power brokers to have such huge sway in the game.
However, Manchester United fans of that persuasion could put those feelings to one side over the coming months with super agent Jorge Mendes set to play a significant role in potentially putting their club back on track.
The Red Devils have struggled to cope with the demands of life after Sir Alex Ferguson and while the recruitment of the highly-decorated Louis van Gaal to replace the hastily-sacked David Moyes was supposed to herald a new era of success the Dutchman has looked increasingly incapable of dealing with the on and off-field rigours of life at Old Trafford.
Former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has made little secret of his desire to one day occupy the same dugout once marshalled by Ferguson and while some see the Portuguese as a short-term fix that is exactly what United need at present.
And with United placing Benfica teenage sensation Renato Sanches at the top of their transfer wishlist executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward is likely to need to enhance his relationship with the influential Mendes.
The so-called super agent represents both Mourinho and Sanches and with a host of club’s monitoring the 18-year-old’s progress there is a belief that United will struggle to land one without the other.
Woodward has assured Mendes that the Red Devils are keen to secure the midfielder’s signature this summer after stalling on an offer in the recent transfer window.
Arsenal are also keen on the £45m-rated youngster and should the Gunners beat Leicester this weekend and go on to win the title the Emirates will look a far more attractive option than Old Trafford, where United are as yet uncertain to finish in the top four.
Many players would overlook a Champions League-less United in favour of signing for Arsenal, unless of course there is the chance to play under Mourinho – over to you Jorge!
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