Agbonlahor picks positive as Glazers expected to stay at Man Utd
Sir Jim Ratcliffe officially enters race to buy Man United from Glazers
Gabriel Agbonlahor thinks the Glazers will end up staying on as owners of Manchester United. However, the former Aston Villa striker thinks the Red Devils remain on course to bring back the glory days regardless of what happens when it comes to a potential takeover. Erik ten Hag has done well in the dugout this season, with the Dutchman already securing Carabao Cup glory – while they remain in contention for two other prizes as well.
The Glazers confirmed back in November they were open to potentially selling United, with Sheikh Jassim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe since launching bids for the club.
But Agbonlahor, speaking to Football Insider, has now expressed a belief the Americans will end up staying.
However, while that would likely alarm many fans of the club, the former Villa striker also thinks United are on track for a successful future regardless – insisting they require only a fresh No 9 to challenge for the Premier League title.
“I think they can challenge for the title even if the Glazers don’t sell,” he said.
“They’ve spent the money in the past, but they’ve spent it badly.
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“They’re not far off the title as it is. I think they’re a world-class number nine away from winning the title.
“I don’t think the Glazers are going to sell the club. They’ll keep driving the price up.
“But I think they can still turn it around. Man United will have a lot of money to spend if they do get new owners, but I don’t think they’re far off the top as it is.”
Under Sheikh Jassim or Ratcliffe, United would be set for lucrative investment both on and off the pitch.
But if the Glazers do remain in power, then it’ll be interesting to see how that shapes the club’s transfer plans.
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Ten Hag wants a new No 9 this summer, having missed out on Darwin Nunez last year – with the forward choosing to leave Benfica for Liverpool instead.
Harry Kane is one player in United’s sights, with the forward approaching the last 12 months of his Tottenham contract.
Spurs are in disarray at present, with the north London giants now going 15 years without a trophy to celebrate.
But Tottenham could still end up keeping Kane, despite United’s interest, particularly if they get the appointment of their next manager right.
Victor Osimhen, of Napoli, is also a target for United.
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And Andy Cole, speaking recently, insisted the Nigeria international should be a priority for his old side.
“Harry Kane is 30 years old next season and Victor Osimhen is currently 24 years old and he’s already done a lot at his age too,” he told King Casino Bonus.
“Italian football is difficult but there will be no doubts that he can adapt to the Premier League.
“If Manchester United want to pay £100m for a 24-year-old or a 30-year-old, you have to look at it in the long term. The only value Manchester United can get from Kane is if he can win them the Premier League.
“Meanwhile, Osimhen is near the same age as Erling Haaland and look what he’s doing at the moment. If Haaland stays at Manchester City for another four years, he’ll still be worth £100m or more, so it depends on what Manchester United are looking for.
“Unfortunately in football, everyone wants instant success, but that does not guarantee a bright future for the club.
“Look at Manchester City, they did not have instant success and look at them now. The players Pep Guardiola brought in were always young and he could still sell them for a decent price if he needed to.
“That’s what I think Manchester United should do because they have been caught too many times bringing in players for ridiculous fees and on ridiculous wages who have run down their contracts, I don’t think they can afford to be caught in that position again.”
And Andy Cole, speaking recently, insisted the Nigeria international should be a priority for his old side.
“Harry Kane is 30 years old next season and Victor Osimhen is currently 24 years old and he’s already done a lot at his age too,” he told King Casino Bonus.
“Italian football is difficult but there will be no doubts that he can adapt to the Premier League.
“If Manchester United want to pay £100m for a 24-year-old or a 30-year-old, you have to look at it in the long term. The only value Manchester United can get from Kane is if he can win them the Premier League.
“Meanwhile, Osimhen is near the same age as Erling Haaland and look what he’s doing at the moment. If Haaland stays at Manchester City for another four years, he’ll still be worth £100m or more, so it depends on what Manchester United are looking for.
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