Manchester United have been credited with interest in Newcastle United star Anthony Gordon, but there are some noticeable red flags.
Earlier this month, Michael Carrick confirmed Manchester United are in the market for a left winger in the upcoming summer transfer window.
Reports have confirmed that United have discussed a move for Anthony Gordon as a potential option.
Gordon has a long-term contract at Newcastle which would complicate any deal, but United’s pursuit of Champions League football could put them in a strong position to sign the 25-year-old.
Anthony Gordon playing against Qarabag FK
Photo by Michelle Mercer/Newcastle United via Getty Images
What is your immediate reaction to Man United’s interest in Anthony Gordon?
Would he be a good signing?
Manchester City v Newcastle United - Carabao Cup Semi Final Second Leg
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Anthony Gordon’s mentality questioned after illness
Only Kylian Mbappe has scored more than Gordon’s 10 Champions League goals this season, yet the English winger was missing from Newcastle’s starting line-up for their crucial round of 16 clash against Barcelona on Tuesday evening.
It was confirmed by Eddie Howe that Gordon had an illness. Speaking on Amazon Prime, Alan Shearer was less than impressed by Gordon sitting on the bench.
“Maybe I’m old school, but if you’re fit enough to train in the morning, and I know he doesn’t feel well, but this is Barcelona at Newcastle for a place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
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“It would take something extraordinary to keep myself out of this game tonight.
“To come and say ‘I might be able to give you half an hour at the end’, I don’t know, give us half an hour at the beginning and if you’re feeling alright, you get through to half-time.
“With his pace and his form in the Champions League, he’s going to be a huge miss, so that surprises me a lot.”
Which Newcastle player would you want Manchester United to sign the most?💰
United have been linked with Tonali, Gordon, Thiaw, Hall and Guimarães. But which makes most sense?
Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali celebrates scoring against Aston Villa in the FA Cup.
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Man Utd need players with Bruno Fernandes’ mentality
It is harsh to judge Gordon’s absence without details and context, but sitting out of Newcastle’s first knockout game in the Champions League for 13 years is not a good look.
United’s new transfer rule under Ineos ownership is to put more focus on a player’s character and mentality to make sure they can handle the pressure of playing for the Red Devils.
There is no better example or role model than captain Bruno Fernandes. Fernandes’ injury record is freakish, and even when he suffered a hamstring injury this season he returned within weeks, well ahead of schedule.
When asked about his incredible availability, Fernandes famously said: “The manager and physio say that I need to relax and rest, but I say no”.
“When I die, I will have a lot of time to lay down and rest”.
That is the kind of mentality that United need running throughout the entire squad.
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