Man Utd set sights on new long-term transfer target who snubbed Mourinho twice

05 January 2024 , 20:38

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Man Utd set sights on new long-term transfer target who snubbed Mourinho twice

Manchester United are lining up a move for Girona left-back Miguel Gutierrez - almost three years since he rejected ex-Red Devils boss Jose Mourinho for a SECOND time.

Girona have emerged as surprise La Liga title contenders this season and Gutierrez has been one of their most influential players, starting in 18 of their 19 league matches. The 22-year-old has been an ever-present in the Girona XI after arriving from Real Madrid in August 2022, missing four games last season.

Following a string of impressive performances, Gutierrez has attracted attention from United, AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund, according to The Sun. In fact, United have sent scouts to watch Gutierrez in recent weeks, with the Red Devils admirers of Gutierrez due to his 'football IQ and attacking profile'.

This isn't the first time United have tried to sign Gutierrez. Back in July 2017, former manager Mourinho wanted to acquire the services of the talented Spanish defender. However, reports at the time claimed the talented Spanish defender hoped to remain close to his family in Madrid.

Guiterrez decided to stay at Real but didn't end up making his first-team debut until April 2021 - less than a month after Mourinho made a second attempt to sign him. During his time at Tottenham, Mourinho rekindled his interest in Guiterrez and hoped that the promise of training alongside Sergio Reguilon could sway his decision.

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But once again, Guiterrez rejected the chance to work with Mourinho and opted to stay at Real. After making his debut in a 3-0 win over Cadiz, Guiterrez made a further five senior appearances in 2020/21 as he tried to impress Zinedine Zidane, who left Real at the end of that season.

Miguel Gutierrez (Pedro Salado)

Carlo Ancelotti was appointed as Real's new boss in the summer of 2021 and it's safe to say Guiterrez's first-team opportunities were limited from that point onwards. Guiterrez ended up featuring just four times in all competitions during the entirety of the 2021/22 campaign, before leaving to join Girona on a five-year deal.

As part of that deal, Real remain 50% of his rights and a sell-on clause, meaning if United are to sign Guiterrez, they will have to pay a large chunk of the fee to the 14-time European winners. Erik ten Hag may dip into the market for a new left-back after Reguilon was sent back to Tottenham.

Guitierrez was the subject of a failed £10.5million bid from Dortmund in the summer, but could be prised away from the La Liga high-fliers for £22m. Real are able to sign him and sell on themselves, although Ancelotti might look to hand the full-back another chance given Girona's red hot form.

Kieran King