The Times reports that Manchester United have decided Joao Moutinho is their man and have made a formal offer of £20m for the Porto player.
After years of speculation surrounding Moutinho’s future it seems that he will move this summer to either Manchester United or Tottenham. While United have made the first move for the player he could still be swayed by the chance to play for his old coach Andre Villas-Boas.
Time will tell, but it appears to be a move in the right direction for Manchester United. Above all, Joao Moutinho is a player of technical excellence. Too often in recent years Manchester United have conceded possession cheaply in the midfield. If Moutinho joins United you won’t see that happening too much more. He’s a ball player of high quality – a midfielder who would comfortably fit into the Barcelona set up for example. He’s not much of a goal scorer, but that isn’t really United’s problem. They know where the net is, they just need more control of the midfield in the big games. Moutinho would offer United a new level of composure and precision in this area and we think that if United can’t get Atletic’s extraordinary Iker Muniain, then Moutinho is the man.
We will keep you abreast of developments as they happen.