Anthony Gordon: Chelsea enter race in unlikely boost for Man United | OneFootball

Manchester United’s pursuit of Anthony Gordon is under threat after Chelsea reportedly stormed into the race for the Newcastle United winger – but INEOS are set to have the last laugh if a deal goes through.

Wingers back on the menu

The dismissal of Ruben Amorim may feel like a lifetime ago for the Red Devils after the outstanding transformation that interim boss Michael Carrick has overseen since taking charge in his place.

But the effects of the Portuguese tactician, and his infamous 3-4-2-1 system, continue to be felt in the United squad, even after both were booted out of Old Trafford in January. Four wingers were sold or loaned out last summer after being designated as part of Amorim’s ‘bomb squad’, including Antony, Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford.

This has left the squad without a natural left-winger, given only Matheus Cunha arrived as a left-sided forward to fill this void, while Bryan Mbeumo’s signing alongside Amad meant the right wing was well-stocked. Patrick Dorgu found a new lease of life in Carrick’s first two games in charge as a left winger, but the 21-year-old Dane remains more of a rampaging juggernaut out wide than an incisive forward; a sledgehammer rather than a scalpel.

United’s priority this summer is a revamp of the midfield, with two big-money signings expected to arrive to bolster the engine room. However, a left-winger is also high on the agenda as the club looks to restore balance in attack.

Chelsea enter the fray

Gordon, Newcastle United’s 25-year-old winger, is a player with many admirers at Old Trafford, particularly as he has the versatility to play right across the frontline. The Merseyside native is understood to be open to leaving this summer as the Magpies brace themselves for raids on their best players after a dismal campaign at St James’ Park.

Gordon has endured a difficult season domestically, with only six goals in the Premier League and none from open play since January. However, he was red-hot in the Champions League, returning 12 contributions in 12 games – only Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappé have scored more.

A report relayed by The Peoples Person claimed Carrick had identified Gordon as a “priority target” if he was handed the head coach role permanently – with an £80 million bid being drawn up.

However, United are not alone in the race for the England international. Both Arsenal and Liverpool are also interested, while German giant Bayern Munich are said to be leading the race after making contact with the player’s camp.

But a report by TEAMtalk reveals Chelsea have stormed into the race as they “actively explor[e] alternative options to strengthen their left flank” after patience has run out with their existing wingers, including Garnacho.

The Blues signed the 21-year-old Argentine for £40m in the final days of last summer’s window. Included in the deal was a 10% sell-on clause of any future transfer.

Predictably, Garnacho has struggled since arriving in west London, with perhaps the worst performance from a long list coming in United’s 1-0 win on Saturday night. The brutal reaction afforded to him from his former teammates tells a story fans had a sense of at Carrington, but received confirmation on at Stamford Bridge.

Indeed, Sir Jim Ratcliffe is understood to have been delighted when news of Chelsea’s bid for Garnacho reached him, with INEOS firmly vindicated in their decision to shift the academy star.

Final Thoughts – Blessing in Disguise

While it may prove a blow for the Red Devils to miss out on a long-term target like Gordon, the fact that Chelsea will shift Garnacho – entitling United to 10% of any sale – will prove a welcome boost to the summer war chest. Furthermore, Chelsea are also interested in RB Leipzig breakout star Yan Diomande and Aston Villa talisman Morgan Rogers, players both high on United’s wish list – and far more suited to the needs at Old Trafford than Gordon.

If INEOS are able to strike a big-money move for Diomande, funded partially by the windfall from Garnacho’s sale and Chelsea dropping out of the race, it would be a transfer musical chairs that United emerge as undisputed victors from.

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The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social