In what is probably the biggest indication that Louis van Gaal might just see his contract through, multiple reports have emerged suggesting Manchester United ended their pursuit of Renato Sanches in February after the manager vetoed the move in favour of alternate targets.
Bayern Munich sealed the move for the youngster on Tuesday for a deal thought to be worth an initial amount of £27.6 million but could rise to £63.1 million depending on the Portuguese’s performance for the Bavarian giants.
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Sanches is a proper box-box midfielder and a great tackler of the ball, making him a deadly asset to their squad. The deal makes him the fourth most expensive teenager in world football history.
Also read: Bayern Munich confirm the signing of Renato Sanches for €35 million
United had been scouting Sanches for months, initial reports having suggested advanced talks with the 18 year old’s club Benfica and super-agent Jorge Mendes, but senior sources at the club told theTelegraph that the club backed away in the race to get his signature in the month of February itself, despite his impressive performances in the Champions League, guiding his team to the quarterfinals.
Following his appointment, the former Ajax, Barcelona and Bayern Munich’s manager also scrapped plans to sign Cesc Fabregas and Toni Kroos made by his predecessor David Moyes.
Van Gaal was tipped to be sacked more often than not following a winless month of December and having seen their Champions League campaign come to a crashing end in the group stages itself.
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The highly rated midfielder was understood to be on Jose Mourinho’s list of transfer targets, who has been rumoured to have a verbal agreement with Manchester United to take over the managerial reigns next season.
United’s decision to back Van Gaal’s judgement in such circumstances goes a long way to show that they might just stick with him until his contract expires in 2017.
United losing to West Ham at Upton Park could change the scenario altogether, as their Champions League hopes hang by a thread. For them to finish fourth Swansea will have to pull off an upset against Manchester City and United will have to win their fixture against AFC Bournemouth.
With a possible FA cup victory still on the cards, it remains to be seen whether the Red Devils stick with their manager or bring in a replacement.
