Manchester United Linked With Shock January Move For Veteran Centre-Back

Somehow, out of nowhere, Manchester United have been linked with a shock loan move for 33-year old Sweden skipper Andreas Granqvist.

The centre-back captained Sweden to the World Cup quarter finals, scoring two penalties before his country were knocked out by England.

After the tournament, he returned to his first club Helsingborgs IF for a third spell and is poised to end his career there having signed a three-and-a-half year deal as a player, before he takes up a position as a sporting director.

Image: PA

But Swedish outlet FotbollDirekt, citing several sources, say that he is an option to help sort of United's leaky backline. Zenit and Lokomotiv Moscow have both shown a strong interest in the former Genoa man, while the man himself has admitted his "flattery" about being touted as potentially making a short-term temporary transfer.

"I know that there is a lot of interest for me. United is incredibly flattering but I have not heard anything concrete yet," Granqvist is quoted as saying by FotbollDirekt.

Linus

@kinglingooo

·Follow

There are reports over here in Sweden that Manchester United wants to sign Andreas Granqvist on loan 😳

0

Reply

Copy link

Read more on Twitter

Granqvist already has experienced under his belt, having made 16 Premier League appearances for Wigan Athletic in 2007/08.

Yet, even with United's worrying defensive deficiencies, surely he's not the answer? Who knows though, maybe Jose Mourinho just wants him to pair compatriot Victor Lindelof as Janne Andersson in Russia.

Image: PA

If it does happen, however, it would not be the first time United have turned to Helsingborg for a player on a short-term loan deal.

United fans will remember that back in 2007 they drafted in former Celtic and Barcelona man Henrik Larsson for three months and he ended up getting a Premier League winner's medal as despite not playing enough games, United were granted an extra two for him and Alan Smith.

Image: PA

Larsson scored three goals in 13 appearances and is still well-regarded by the Old Trafford faithful to this day

Topics: Football News, Football, Manchester United, Transfers, Sweden

Josh Lawless

Josh is a writer who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

@https://twitter.com/JoshLawless_