Manchester United Enquire About Spanish Star Winger Who's Being Chased By Arsenal

Manchester United are exploring the possibility of signing Real Madrid winger Marco Asensio, with the Reds making an informal enquiry into Asensio’s availability. 

It has been reported that United have made the informal enquiry into Asensio, with the 26 year-old Spanish appearing to have become a fresh target for the recruitment team at Old Trafford.

The news comes just a day after United lost out on their pursuit of Benfica forward, Darwin Nunez, with Liverpool all but securing the player to bolster their own attack moving into the 2022/23 Premier League campaign.

While the enquiry made was only of an informal nature, United could act quickly to develop the situation, with Arsenal and AC Milan also rumoured to be extremely interested in Asensio. 

With the Spaniard’s contract ending in 12 months, United would be able to secure Asensio for a relatively small fee in comparison to today’s market.

While it has been reported that Real Madrid have offered Asensio a new deal, there has not yet been an agreement between player and club due to a number of contentious issues, primarily playing time.

The winger’s game time was reduced last campaign, with 39 appearances across La Liga and Champions League combined, compared to the 46 appearances he had in the season prior.

The right-wing is a position that requires a level of strengthening by United, with Jadon Sancho often playing his football on the left last season and Anthony Elanga still being relatively inexperienced.

Asensio could prove to be a shrewd addition to the squad should United develop their interest in the player, due his mix of experience and age.

With Asensio only currently being 26, he is yet to hit the period of his career where most other players flourish, while still having a large amount of experience as a triple Champions League winner with Real Madrid.

United require the mentality of a serial winner such as Asensio in order to match their ambitions going forward under Erik ten Hag, with marquee names such as Paul Pogba, Juan Mata and Nemanja Matic on their way out of Old Trafford this summer.

While it appears United are attempting to secure multiple deals simultaneously, with a deal for Frenkie de Jong close to completion and interest in Ibrahim Sangare still present, it would come as no surprise if the de Jong deal was completed first. A transfer for the Dutchman is crucial for United, with such a signing satisfying the dire need for a central midfielder, as well as Ten Hag’s desire for a reunion with his Ajax star boy. 

The situation surrounding Asensio will continue to be monitored in the coming days, with a formal move from United yet to be launched.