Man U Sweating Another Portuguese Starlet

By: Martha | November 21st, 2007

According to a report in today’s Guardian, Manchester United scouts have essentially moved into Lisbon’s Estadio Jose Alvalade, so enamored are they of Sporting’s Miguel Veloso. The defender/midfielder, who impressed at the U-21 European Championship this summer despite Portugal’s disappointing showing and recently won a spot in the full Portuguese national team, is an out-and-out stud, and will surely be going somewhere soon. But, really. Does it have to be Manchester?

Veloso has been in undeniably great form this season, seemingly having found his maturity at the ripe old age of 21, and has been equally successful in the BWIN Liga and the Champions League — he was utterly inescapable during his team’s home draw with Roma on the most recent matchday. Not surprisingly, he’s not gone unnoticed outside of Manchester: In just the past month or so, Arsenal, Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Juventus have all been listed as eager suitors, so it’s likely his price will go a whole lot higher than the £10 million currently being quoted.

Man U have obvious connections both to Portugal and Sporting (Nani and Cristiano Ronaldo both starred at the club) and, as much as it hurts to admit it, probably should be considered front-runners for the youngster’s services. There is the issue, however, of United being incredibly deep at holding midfield, which is Veloso’s preferred position — I think the Man U haters among us are going to have to cling to his presumed desire to actually play as the best chance to keep him out of Sir Alex’s evil clutches.

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Category: English Premier League, Serie A, Spain La Liga, World Football

Tags: English Premier League, Manchester United, Serie A, Spain La Liga, Sporting Lisbon, Veloso, World Football

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Comments  

• Viper |  November 21st, 2007 at 2:35 pm

  
  
  

  Guys, Can you do us a favor, and not call United as Man U(thankfully, it was not Man Yoo atleast)..Its not an NCAA team for heaven’s sake..United/Man Utd/United will do ..Thanks

  Posted from United States

  

• swapnil |  November 22nd, 2007 at 10:33 am

  
  
  

  i heard he can even play as a defender.SAF always has been admirer of such utility players..wont be surpriced if he indeed lands at manchester though utd dont need any more CDM’s

  Posted from India

  

• BC |  November 27th, 2007 at 9:03 am

  
  
  

  Word in today´s paper, DN, was that Miguel Veloso wants to play for Man Utd, because he wants invitations to Cristiano´s parties probably. Sporting wants money for him which Real Madrid is willing to pay up to 25-30 million. Man Utd are not likely to go past 20 if that.

  I don´t know if it would be a wise buy for Man Utd. Real Madrid probably needs MV more. For Manchester United, Nani was probably the very pick of Alcochete for them right. In modern football decent wingers, of the portuguese style, are a lot rarer than decent defensive midfielders who can play defense as well. Miguel Veloso has been impressive for Sporting, when played in his natural position, but even so Sporting has not been getting results at all. Sporting, or its fans even, did not treat Nani too well and now strangely it seems like he probably that he was the most crucial youngster after all. Also a lot of Miguel Veloso´s recent media following is reminding me of Dani. Hope I am wrong about that.

  Posted from United States

  

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