Anthony Gordon: Man United plot raid on Newcastle for shock reason | OneFootball

Manchester United have reportedly identified Anthony Gordon as a target this summer, but the Red Devils have a new position on the pitch in mind for the 24-year-old winger.

Targeting a Left Winger

The Red Devils are prioritising a new option on the left wing after the dismissal of Ruben Amorim – along with his 3-4-2-1 system – in January.

Last summer, four left-sided attackers – Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford – were forced out of the club by the Portuguese head coach, with only Matheus Cunha arriving in their place. The Brazil international is not a natural winger either, instead preferring to play in the half-space between the opposition full-back and centre-back.

His skillset suited Amorim’s system perfectly, but it leaves the 26-year-old a more awkward fit in a 4-2-3-1 – the formation Michael Carrick has implemented since taking the reins as caretaker. By contrast, the presence of Bryan Mbeumo and Amad means the right wing is well stacked.

United will appoint a long-term successor for Amorim this summer, with whoever is eventually selected – be it Carrick, or one of the other candidates – expected to maintain this system of a back four and natural wide players. This means a new left winger will be an urgent priority, regardless of who is in charge next season.

RB Leipzig starlet Yan Diomande and Everton speedster Iliman Ndiaye are two of the primary targets, while cheaper options like Tyrique George (Chelsea) and Matheus Mane (Wolverhampton Wanderers) are also under consideration. However, Ben Jacobs now reveals Gordon is a player highly regarded by INEOS – with the Newcastle winger’s versatility understood to be of particular attraction.

Out wide or through the middle

Speaking to the United Stand, Jacobs states United “really like” the England international, who swapped Merseyside for Tyneside in a £45 million switch in January 2023.

Anthony Gordon - Record at Newcastle

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The talkSPORT reporter reveals Gordon’s willingness to play “through the centre as a number nine” further strengthens the interest at Old Trafford, given the struggles of Joshua Zirkzee to provide adequate support to Benjamin Sesko.

Targeting Gordon – a versatile forward with proven Premier League pedigree – would be in line with the signings of Cunha and Mbeumo last summer, both of whom have represented significant upgrades on the players they replaced.

His work-rate and attitude are also understood to be outstanding, with United prioritising the impact new recruits will have in the dressing room as much as on the pitch.

Final Thoughts – A Difficult Deal

Newcastle will demand an exorbitant fee for a key player they have zero interest in selling, particularly if the prospective buyer is United – given the bad blood between the two rivals over the appointment of Dan Ashworth two years ago.

INEOS are also planning a comprehensive rebuild of the midfield this summer, with at least two new options expected to arrive to bolster the flailing engine room. The club’s first-choice target is Elliot Anderson, but there is also interest in Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton.

All three will cost upwards of £100m, however, making the prospect of a big-money raid on St James’s Park for Gordon an unlikely one, no matter how much the English winger may have caught INEOS’s eye.

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