Manchester United were finally able to shift Alejandro Garnacho this summer in a £40million move to Chelsea, but the Red Devils are said to have turned down a player swap for the Argentine winger
Ruben Amorim reacts
Ruben Amorim could have signed a central midfielder this summer
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Manchester United reportedly turned down the chance of swapping Alejandro Garnacho for Romeo Lavia this summer, despite the Chelsea star previously impressing Pep Guardiola.
Garnacho's future at Old Trafford was cast into speculation at the end of last season, when the forward criticised his club's lacklustre Premier League campaign, which saw them finish at a lowly 15th.
After a summer of discontent, the 21-year-old snagged a £40million move to Stamford Bridge, while Ruben Amorim welcomed a new front line of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko to strengthen his attack.
However, as per ESPN, instead of a straight money deal, it is understood that United were offered Chelsea star Lavia as part of the deal for Garnacho, which could have gone a long way in addressing the Reds' midfield woes at present. The club were linked with Brighton's Carlos Baleba for the majority of the summer, before his club's £100m price tag eventually proved too rich for United's taste.
And despite Bruno Fernandes recently settling into a more central role alongside Casemiro, as Amorim starts to turn the tide in the north west, many fans would still argue that their Portuguese skipper is more suited as a number 10. Casemiro is also entering the twilight years of his career and has faced criticism for his lack of mobility as of late.
While United are tipped to re-enter the transfer market when it reopens in January to secure an upgrade for their engine room, whether that be in the form of another pursuit of Baleba or potentially VfB Stuttgart stalwart, Angelo Stiller, life could have been made easier if they had taken the supposed deal that Chelsea were offering with regards to Lavia.
If Guardiola's past assessment of the defensive midfielder is anything to go off, United could've banked themselves quite the player, though the Belgian has had huge fitness issues over the last few years. After breaking through the youth academy of Manchester City in 2021, Lavia secured a transfer to Southampton the following year, where he racked up 34 appearances for the Saints.
And looking ahead to a clash between City and Southampton back in April 2023, Guardiola was quick to hail the progress of the Belgian talent. He said at the time: "I am really impressed with what Romeo has done and is doing.
Romeo Lavia kicks the ball
Romeo Lavia has struggled with injuries at Chelsea(Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)
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"We had, and we have, an incredible opinion about him. We thought to keep him, but maybe he would not (get) enough minutes like he has in Southampton."
After an incredible breakthrough season at St Mary's, Lavia secured a move to Stamford Bridge which is thought to have set Chelsea back in the region of £58m. Despite making 30 appearances for the Blues to date, he has struggled to find his footing in Enzo Maresca's plans.
Not only has the 21-year-old got stiff competition in the likes of Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo for his place, but he has also struggled with injury since arriving in west London, facing ankle, thigh and hamstring injuries in the past two years, as well as muscle strain.
Alejandro Garnacho looks on
Alejandro Garnacho joined Chelsea this summer
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It appears as though United are thriving with their current engine room at present, with the Reds currently sitting 7th in the Premier League standings with five wins, three draws and three losses from their opening 11 matches. They are also unbeaten in their last five league outings.
Amorim will have a tough task ahead to retain his unbeaten streak when United return to Premier League action next Monday, as they host an Everton outfit that is enjoying a new lease of life under David Moyes. They then face Crystal Palace on Sunday, 30 November, as the hectic Premier League period continues.
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