Sky Sports: £80m ‘nightmare’ ready to join Man Utd on one condition

Sky Sports: £80m ‘nightmare’ ready to join Man Utd on one condition

Manchester United have received a boost in their pursuit of Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers, who is open to joining, provided the right circumstances.

The Red Devils are planning to make at least one addition to their attacking ranks in the summer. The priority is to sign a player who would seamlessly fit on the left flank, as Matheus Cunha isn’t considered a natural winger.

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Man Utd have been heavily linked with RB Leipzig teenager Yan Diomande, while Ilman Ndiaye has been on Jason Wilcox’s shortlist for quite some time. But in recent days, Rogers emerged as a serious option.

Man Utd target Morgan Rogers wants Champions League football

According to Sky Sport CH journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Man Utd have already enquired about the 23-year-old’s availability in the summer.

Aston Villa have set their asking price at £90 million, but the source expects them to reflect on offers starting from £80 million.

For his part, Rogers is said to be ‘open’ to joining United. However, he is keen to play in the Champions League next season, so the Reds’ ability to land the player could hinge on a Top-5 finish.

Moreover, Tavolieri warns the Old Trafford outfit of familiar competition from Chelsea, who are also hot on the England international’s trail. But with the Blues trailing in the Champions League race, MUFC might have a significant advantage over their rivals in the summer.

Which roles could Rogers occupy at Man United?

Morgan Rogers is a Manchester City academy product who was sold to Middlesbrough for just £1 million in the summer of 2023. The attacking midfielder enjoyed a positive yet brief spell under Michael Carrick’s tutelage, providing seven goals and nine assists in 33 appearances.

In February 2024, the Halesowen native was poached by Aston Villa for £8 million, and he is currently considered the club’s most prized asset. Roy Keane considers him a ‘nightmare’ for opponents.

*“He just causes confusion. He plays in pockets. When he just stands still, you can’t get to him. He is good enough on the half turn to then play a quality pass,”*said the former Man Utd captain during his appearance on ITV (via Mirror).

“He has strength and that physique. He has awareness. He is a nightmare for a midfielder or defender. We can talk all day about getting close [to him], but when you give him an opportunity, he will take it.”

The Englishman is originally an attacking midfielder, but Unai Emery has been heavily relying on him on the left flank, where he acts as an inverted winger, using his speed and strength to cut to the middle before aiming at goal.

While Rogers would be a welcome addition to any squad, Man Utd in particular would be delighted to accommodate him, as the club needs a right-footed player who can occupy multiple roles behind the striker.

The Villa star can be an immediate solution for the left-winger role, and a long-term replacement for Bruno Fernandes in his original No.10 position.