Manchester United had been linked with a sensational move for PSG superstar Neymar, with Erik ten Hag desperate to bolster his attack during the summer transfer window
Neymarno longer wants to leaveParis Saint-Germainthis summer and is instead looking forward to a reunion with ex-BarcelonamanagerLuis Enrique.
The Brazilian superstar, 31, was recently tipped to joinManchester Unitedafter ɾєρօɾτedlysetting his sights on a move to Old Trafford. United bossErik ten Hagremains keen on bolstering his attack during thesummer transfer windowand PSG were said to be open to selling Neymar, having signed him from Barca in 2017 for a then-world-record fee.
But Enrique’s imminent arrival in Paris is likely to halt any move away for Neymar, with his old manager advanced talks with the PSG hierarchy. It comes after club presidentNasser Al-Khelaifiand sporting advisor Luis Campos green-lit Enrique’s appointment, despite current bossChristophe Galtierstill officially being in the hot seat.
L’Equipeɾєρօɾτ that the turn of events has changed Neymar’s mind on leaving the French capital over the next few months and he’s focussed on coming back stronger with PSG. The 31-year-old suffered a season-єɴԀing ιɴjυɾу in March, forcing him to miss vital games during the run-in.
Neymar worked with Enrique to great success while they were together for three seasons at Barcelona between 2014 and 2017. TheBrazilinternational won his one and onlyChampions Leaguecrown during the formerSpainboss’ trophy-laden reign, as well as two liftingLaLigatitles.
PSG signed Neymar in the hope that he’d drive them to their first ever Champions League, but a runners-up medal in 2020 is the best that he has to show for his efforts. Perhaps Enrique can be the man to deliver what Al-Khelaifi and co have always craved, but the situation leaves United looking elsewhere for new signings in the forward department.
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That might turn out to be a good thing, though, at least according to ex-Red Devils assistant managerRene Meulensteen. “It’s probably rumours and speculation, everybody keeps tight-lipped about it,” the Dutch coach, who most notably worked directly underSir Alex Ferguson, toldtalkSPORT. “I have my reservations about it because he’s obviously a high-calibre player but he’s also a prima donna.
“He’s never played in thePremier League. Playing in Spain and France is completely different. Also, his best position is playing on the left wing and you’re gonna go with[Marcus] Rashford.”
In contrast, formerArsenalmidfielderEmmanuel Petitreckons that Neymar would “love” to play for the Gunners. “I think Neymar will suit any big club,” Petit told Genting Casino. “If he comes to Arsenal, I would love it and I think he will too. I think he will enjoy the technical football and the style of Arsenal. He would love to play with younger players as he is quite mature himself.
”He will also have revenge on his mind with everything that he has been going thɾօυɢҺ at PSG, and the tears he shed at the World Cup. I think he will be happy to move to Arsenal if that is the case. He can play on the left and the right, and because of his ankle injuries he can be a player in rotation.”
