- Manchester United monitoring Bournemouth duo
- Cherries announced that Andoni Iraola will leave the club this summer
- Smarter move for Reds to move for Marcos Senesi
Manchester United have identified two players from AFC Bournemouth who could make the move to Old Trafford this summer.
The news comes as the Cherries have announced that manager Andoni Iraola will be leaving the club in the summer. It comes as a massive blow for the club, who had tried to keep the Spaniard beyond his contract expiry.
Iraola has also been linked with a move to the Red Devils. However, there are question marks over whether a manager of his calibre should be appointed at this stage. A move to a European club, such as his former club Athletic Bilbao, seems more likely.
United Monitoring Cherries Duo
According to Chris Wheeler and Nathan Salt of the Daily Mail, Manchester United are monitoring forward Junior Kroupi and defender Marco Senesi.
Kroupi, who has enjoyed a breakthrough season in the Premier League, has attracted interest from a host of English clubs. As well as the Red Devils, both Liverpool and Chelsea are interested. The 19-year-old from Lorient has been a bane of United’s existence this season. He has scored in both the 4-4 and 2-2 draws against the Reds. The teenager has hit double figures, scoring ten league goals in fifteen starts this campaign.
The other player of interest to the club is Senesi. The deal is financially viable for United, as like Iraola, his contract with the south coast club expires in the summer. The Spaniard is a left-footed central defender who would bring a great deal of experience to the backline. He has made 33 appearances this season and is set to become the latest star to leave the Vitality Stadium.
The Need for a Defender is Greater Than a Forward
Between the two links, the interest in Senesi at this stage makes a lot more sense. United need bodies, especially if they are competing in four different competitions in 2026/27. The Argentine would provide excellent cover and is a standout performer in the Premier League.
A quick look at the short-term problems that Carrick’s side face at the back tells the bigger story. With Harry Maguire still awaiting on a FA decision for his suspension, Lisandro Martinez was rushed back into the side against Leeds on Monday night. Unfortunately, he was also sent off for a hair pull on Dominic Calvert-Lewin. It leaves the club depleted in seniority for the next fixture.
Matthijs De Ligt is not yet cleared to return, which means that an inexperienced duo of Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven will start in a crucial big game against Chelsea on Saturday.
Whilst Kroupi would be an excellent addition, United need cover on the left wing, three central midfielders and in both fullback positions. Without departures, there is no space for luxury signings.
Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbuemo and Matheus Cunha are all capable of playing in the number nine role, making it less of a priority. Spending money in the aforementioned positions is something that the club have to get right to remain competitive next season.
