Manchester United, cogs turning behind the scenes as Ineos prepare for their first summer at the helm, may yet return to a very familiar watering hole.
The 3-2 triumph over Newcastle in the penultimate game of the 2023/24 Premier League season not only helped ensure that Erik ten Hag‘s team would end a traumatic top-flight campaign on something of a high, it also helped provide some hope for a brighter future.
Kobbie Mainoo, opening the scoring in typically composed fashion, is still only 18, albeit playing with the poise and purpose of a man ten years his senior. Amad Diallo and Rasmus Hojlund then found a way past former Manchester United loanee Martin Dubravka after the interval, the 21-year-old duo fizzing home a pair of fine finishes from the edge of the penalty area.
Mancheser United could raid Atalanta again
Their age, meanwhile, is not the only thing Amad and Hojlund have in common. The Ivorian and the Dane both arrived at Old Trafford from Atalanta, the former joining in a £19 million deal under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in 2021 and the latter arriving two-and-a-half year later for an initial £64 million.
Atalanta, their remarkable rise finally rewarded with silverware on Wednesday night as Ademola Lookman’s hat-trick ended Bayer Leverkusen’s 51-game unbeaten run in Dublin, are seen as one of the continent’s best incubators of young talent for a reason, the sales of Hojlund, Amad, Dejan Kulusevski, Cristian Romero, Franck Kessie, Alessandro Bastoni and Timothy Castagne merely the tip of an iceberg which runs deep indeed.
Already, in the first few months of 2024, Manchester United have been tipped to go back to a club who’s talent development they obviously hold in high regard. According to reports, United are admirers of both Teun Koopminers and Ederson – the relentless midfield duo who ran rings around Leverkusen – as well as their £51 million-rated centre-half Giorgio Scalvini.
The Iatter, winner of Italy’s ‘Golden Boy’ for 2023, only played the second 45 minutes in Dublin. But, after being introduced at the interval for the injured Sead Kolasinac, Scalvini needed only a few interventions to put Ally McCoist on the edge of his seat, excitedly drawing comparisons with one of the finest defensive talents of the modern era.
“I tell you what, I know he’s only been on for 15 minutes, but I don’t mind the look of Scalvini,” the Rangers legend told TNT Sports in his typically enthusiastic style (22 May, 8pm).
“He’s got that old fashioned (Giorgio) Chielini look, Italian defender about him. Don’t mind that. I’m having him I am telling you. Don’t mind him at all.”
Giorgio Scalvini earns Chiellini comparisons
Scalvini’s introduction was a major reason why the anticipated Leverkusen fightback just did not arise, a team who have made a habit of dramatic late comebacks barely even threatening to break Atalanta’s resistance. No one made more than the 20-year-old’s three interceptions.
Only Isak Hien managed more clearances, despite Scalvini playing just half of the available minutes on the night.
Aggressive and front-footed, Scalvini frequently stepped in high up the pitch, freed up by Atalanta’s three-man defensive system to burst into midfield when required. As you might expect from a man who started his career in a moreattack-minded role, Scalvini is extremely comfortable with the ball at his feet too.
He completed 92 per cent of his passes on the night, and that came against a Leverkusen side pressing quickly and frantically in a vain attempt to knock Atalanta out of their rythym (WhoScored).
The centre-half market has seldom been quite so deep. Man United, confirming Raphael Varane’s departure last week, are prioritising Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite but also admire Aaron Anselmino, Leny Yoro, Goncalo Inacio and more.
Scalvini recently signed a fresh contract, which should strengthen Atalanta’s hand. But after showcasing every single one of his many attributes inside just 45 minutes in Ireland, that new deal is unlikely to keep Scalvini’s admirers away for long.