Anthony Gordon: Man United aim to beat Liverpool to sign Newcastle star | OneFootball

Manchester United are planning a blockbuster raid for Anthony Gordon as the Red Devils look to sign a “game-changing” winger to complete their attack, according to the latest report.

All Right, No Left

United are intent on sticking with a back four and flying wingers after the remarkable uplift in form under Michael Carrick, who was handed the reins as caretaker coach until the end of the season following Ruben Amorim’s dismissal. The 44-year-old Englishman immediately switched to a 4-2-3-1 system, with four wins on the bounce – including back-to-back victories over Manchester City and Arsenal – proving the effectiveness of this change.

The only match in which United have dropped points was against West Ham in a turgid draw at the London Stadium, which highlighted the lack of a natural left-winger in the squad compared to the well-stocked right-hand side. Three options for this role left Old Trafford last summer as part of Amorim’s ruthless clear-out of the squad – Alejandro Garnacho, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho – while only Matheus Cunha arrived in their place.

However, the Brazil international is more effective when operating centrally, in the half-space between defence and midfield. He is a less comfortable fit when deployed out wide, tasked with going past his opposite number on the outside as much as inside.

As such, the club are prioritising a new left-sided player this summer, with RB Leipzig speedster Yan Diomande and Everton wizard Iliman Ndiaye understood to be two of the primary targets. But, in a bombshell twist, a report relayed by The Peoples Person states United are also keeping close tabs on Gordon, with the Newcastle talisman’s versatility and physicality of particular interest.

United prepare blockbuster bid

The Red Devils are now said to be ready to accelerate their pursuit of the 24-year-old winger, who swapped Merseyside for Tyneside in 2023 for £40 million after coming through Everton’s academy. A report in Spain claims United are “prepared to make an offer” close to £87 million to convince their Premier League competitor to part with Gordon this summer.

INEOS are increasingly drawn to Premier League experience as a key attribute in recruitment, given the success in the capture of Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo last summer. Gordon fits the bill as one of the division’s premier attackers, who is set to represent the Three Lions at the World Cup this summer after winning the trust of Thomas Tuchel.

Liverpool are also “closely monitoring” the England international as they believe he can “become the natural successor to Mohamed Salah”, with his tactical flexibility enabling him to also play on the right. This creates the tantalising prospect of the two bitter rivals going head to head for Gordon and a bidding war erupting for the Newcastle attacker.

Interestingly, United are also tracking his teammate at St James’s Park, Sandro Tonali, as a potential option to bolster the midfield, with Arsenal and City also in the hunt.

Final Thoughts – Raiding a Rival

There is a growing sense Newcastle’s poor campaign will leave the north-east club vulnerable in the transfer market, as they will almost certainly not be able to offer Champions League football to their star players next season.

However, the Magpies will refuse to do business with a domestic rival without demanding eye-watering sums, as Liverpool found out last summer in their pursuit of Alexander Isak.

INEOS must be prepared to meet this £87 million price tag to secure Gordon’s signature – and potentially go even higher if they are to fend off competition from Merseyside at the same time.

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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