Ander Barrenetxea: Man United learn of biggest rival in pursuit of their own Griezmann | OneFootball

A left‑winger signing is firmly on Manchester United’s agenda this summer.

INEOS are keen to bring on board a natural left‑winger, a profile which this United squad is currently missing.

With all their natural left‑wingers having departed, the Red Devils have had to deploy Matheus Cunha in that role. Although the Brazilian has been fantastic there, the 20‑time English champions know they must still secure a natural option.

Ander Barrenetxea linked

Some brilliant wingers have been linked, and recently, The Peoples Person relayed reports of United eyeing Real Sociedad’s Ander Barrenetxea.

United once dreamed of landing Antoine Griezmann, and now they have the opportunity to secure their own version of the Atlético Madrid legend.

Much like Griezmann, Barrenetxea came through the San Sebastián footballing system, and the similarities do not end there. Both possess intelligent movement, technical quality, and the ability to influence games both creatively and in front of goal. Consequently, many have described the 24‑year‑old as a younger Griezmann.

With every motivation for INEOS to move for the La Real star, however, a concerning report has now surfaced.

Villa trying to derail Man United’s move for their own Griezmann

According to Teamtalk, the 20‑time English champions face serious competition in their pursuit of the winger.

They report:

“Aston Villa boss Unai Emery is pushing for the club to explore a move for Real Sociedad star Ander Barrenetxea, with sources telling TEAMtalk that the Spanish forward has emerged as one of Villa’s standout attacking options ahead of the summer transfer window.

“Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have all scouted Barrenetxea extensively this year and have been left hugely impressed by his performances in Spain.”

As a result, Aston Villa may be pushing hard to win this race, but that move will not be straightforward.

The Old Trafford faithful will be hoping that news of Villa pressing hard for the Spaniard prompts INEOS into action, and that United chiefs move quickly to trump their Premier League rivals and land their own Griezmann.

That said, Barrenetxea has a £65.5 million release clause. Whether that proves to be the magic number for his exit, with Real Sociedad set to hold firm on that figure, per Teamtalk, remains to be seen.

Featured image Florencia Tan Jun via Getty Images

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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