Liverpool boss Arne Slot
Arne Slot also has his eyes set on a Man United transfer target (Image: JOSEP LAGO/AFP via Getty Images)
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has admitted he has been impressed by a defender who Manchester United are reportedly looking to sign.
The Girona left-back Miguel Gutierrez had his breakthrough last season with the Spanish side as they defied odds to fight for the La Liga title. They managed to finish third, two years after being promoted back to the top tier of football in Spain.
It was under Erik ten Hag, and early into Sir Jim Ratcliffe's United business venture, where Gutierrez was hot on the club's list as they were under pressure to find a Luke Shaw replacement following his injury. Although Ruben Amorim has brought in a new system with wing-backs and three core defenders, the 23-year-old could still fit into the team.
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Last season he bagged two goals and nine assists. His ability to get balls into dangerous positions is something that Amorim will be a fan of. However, United aren't the only club looking at the defender. Liverpool boss Slot admitted ahead of their clash with Girona tonight that he too is a fan.
He said: "I think their game model is what stands out, there idea about football. Last season I watched quite a lot of them because I found it interesting what he did with especially the left full back and he's still doing that this season as well; playing so inverted and having such a free role from that position.
"At that moment of time you didn't see that that often. Yet, now you see some other teams doing it as well but that was interesting to see. They have a very good idea about football, always wanting to bring out the ball from the back and they have many good players.
Girona left-back Miguel Gutierrez
Manchester United have been linked with making a move for Miguel Gutierrez (Image: Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
"But since I am a Dutchmen, especially last season, I liked Daley Blind [and] how he did over here."
So not only did Slot point out a United hopeful, but also one from Old Trafford's past. Blind played four seasons for United after Louis van Gaal had signed him from Ajax for £13.8m. He started in the Europa League final against Ajax which United won.
The 34-year-old is now a regular at Girona, having joined in 2023 on a two-year deal. Although he is now in the later days of his career, Slot remains a key admirer of the ex-United defender.