Arsenal pull out of race as Morgan Schneiderlin inches closer to Manchester United move

Morgan Schneiderlin closing in on dream of playing in the Champions League with transfer to Manchester United

According to the Daily Mail, Manchester United are in pole position to sign Morgan Schneiderlin on a four-year contract, with Arsenal pulling out of the race to sign the Southampton midfielder. Daily Mail reports suggest that the 25-year-old Southampton midfielder will move to Old Trafford for a transfer fee of £25 million, with Arsenal instead looking at signing Arturo Vidal from Juventus.

Signing a holding midfielder role is one of Louis van Gaal’s top priorities this summer, with Michael Carrick’s injuries a major concern. The Red Devils turned their attention closer home after having received no encouragement in their pursuit of Bayern Munich’s Bastian Schweinsteiger, as per the Daily Mail.

Adding fuel to the fire was news that Manchester United official photographer Craig Norwood has started following the French midfielder on Twitter. The same happened with Juan Mata prior to his arrival from Chelsea and United fans are undoubtedly thrilled with this development.

Schneiderlin came through the youth ranks at RC Strasbourg, spending close to thirteen years at his local club. Following their relegation from Ligue 1 in the 2007/08 season, Schneiderlin moved to Southampton, where he has managed more than 250 appearances across all competitions.

Schneiderlin looked set to follow Luke Shaw, Rickie Lambert, Dejan Lovren, Adam Lallana and Calum Chambers out of the exit door at St. Mary’s prior to the start of the 2014/15 season. Ronald Koeman, however, managed to convince him to stay put by rejecting the approach from Tottenham Hotspur.

There’s no stopping Schneiderlin this summer though, having made his intentions clear of leaving the Saints for a club playing in the Champions League. That leaves Tottenham out of the picture and Manchester United have been quick in making contact with the player regarding a possible move.

Schneiderlin made his mark in the Premier League during the 2012/13 season, topping the charts for interceptions, most tackles and highest work-rate. He won both the Player’s player and Fan’s Player of the Year awards at Southampton, signing a new contract along the way, which runs out in the summer of 2017.

Manchester United fans have good knowledge of Schneiderlin’s abilities, who outshone Michael Carrick in the only league match United lost with the Englishman starting. According to Squawka, Schneiderlin bettered Carrick in terms of passing percentage, aerial duels, interceptions, clearances and blocks, thereby playing a huge role in the Saints victory over United at Old Trafford.

He has the experience of playing in the Premier League, adds a physical presence on the pitch and at 25, has his best years ahead of him. Morgan Schneiderlin and Manchester United look like a perfect match that is nearing completion with every passing day.