Man Utd’s shortlisting of Kylian Mbappe after PSG star dazzles in Real Madrid win

Kylian Mbappe linked with Real Madrid move

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On Tuesday night, Kylian Mbappe showed why he’s so highly-rated across Europe with a stunning winner for Paris Saint-Germain against Real Madrid. The France international stepped up in the closing stages to give the Ligue 1 giants a crucial first leg lead. Manchester United have previously been credited with an interest and they, certainly, can be forgiven for watching on and wishing he was strutting his stuff at Old Trafford.

PSG’s match with Real Madrid had the makings of a classic.

However, in truth, it was a predominantly dull affair with the La Liga giants shutting up shop to avoid returning to Spain with plenty of work to do.

As the match ticked down, Mbappe was moved to the left wing – having spent the majority of the contest on the opposite flank.

And it was a decision that certainly paid off, with the 23-year-old producing a memorable winner to break Madrid’s resistance.

It was almost written in the stars that the France international would score against the team who are currently seen as frontrunners in the race to secure his signature.

Mbappe’s contract at the Parc des Princes is due to expire in the summer.

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And it’s Madrid who are in pole position to snap him up, with Florentino Perez a long-term admirer of the forward.

However, ESPN published a report last year saying that Mbappe was on United’s list of striker targets for the 2022 summer transfer window.

That was just before they landed Cristiano Ronaldo but, with the veteran getting on and Edinson Cavani likely to leave, the Red Devils do plan on signing a new hitman.

That was something interim boss Ralf Rangnick recently said was ‘obvious’, admitting the club need fresher legs.

And the publication stated that United had put Mbappe on their radar at the time, alerted to his contractual situation over in Paris.

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It was acknowledged, however, that within the club they still considered Madrid to be the main contenders to land the 2018 World Cup winner.

And United’s plans have now likely changed.

After all, Old Trafford isn’t exactly the place to be nowadays. United remain a club in crisis, nine years after Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure.

They’ve already dropped out of the race for Erling Haaland because they feel the Norway international will have better offers elsewhere.

So, unless a miracle happens, United aren’t expected to land Mbappe this summer – despite their interest.

Speaking after PSG’s win, meanwhile, Mbappe insisted he hadn’t decided anything on his future despite Madrid’s admiration of him.

“I’ve not decided my future,” said the former Monaco hitman.

“I play for Paris Saint-Germain, one of the best clubs in the world.

“This game to influence my future? No — I’ve not decided, I give my best and then we will see what happens next season.”

He then added: “How to ignore the (transfer) context? It’s easy, you have to play football.

“We ask too many questions, we say too many things. We talk about PSG and Real, two big clubs.

“I’m a PSG player, I’m always very happy.”

PSG boss Mauricio Pochettino, meanwhile, lauded his No 7 following the match at the Parc des Princes.

“Mbappe’s amazing. He’s a great talent,” Pochettino told CBS Sports when quizzed after the game.

“I’m always talking in the same way. I cannot find more words. He’s amazing.”

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