Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has been dealt a major blow after Ajax winger Justin Kluivert refuted suggestions that he’d be open to a move to Old Trafford.
The 18-year-old was promoted to the Ajax first-team last season, scoring and creating six goals in seven Eredivisie starts in 2016/17. He’s followed up that debut campaign with the senior side with eight goals contributed in 14 starts. His form has led to a lot of interest in his signature too.
Manchester United are one club reportedly keen, with the Mirror suggesting manager Jose Mourinho had a special relationship with the teenager due to the two, and father Patrick, being in contact their time at Barcelona.
The report stated a £10m deal was close to being agreed too, with Manchester United in advanced talks over bringing the Netherlands u21 international to Old Trafford. However, Kluivert doesn’t believe joining United would be a good move at this stage of his career.
He said to Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagblad: “I have heard the rumours but I haven’t spoken to Mourinho. A move to Manchester United wouldn’t make sense, for now.” The young winger is arguably right too.
There’s stiff competition for a starting place, with Marcus Rashford, Jesse Lingard, Anthony Martial and Alexis Sanchez all desperate to feature. Kluivert could struggle for playing time as a result.
He may also note how poorly Memphis Depay’s move went from PSV Eindhoven to United in the past, leading to the talented forward hardly featured and eventually being sold to France.
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