It’s been a rather mixed start from those of a Manchester United persuasion at Euro 2024.
One-time loanee Wout Weghorst scored the winner for the Netherlands against Poland, earning himself a special place in the heart of all Oranje supporters while Scott McTominay continues to run through the events of Scotland’s disastrous 5-1 defeat to Germany in his head.
Kobbie Mainoo, meanwhile, was omitted from England’s starting XI by Gareth Southgate. The Three Lions subsequently turned in a performance that screamed out for the involvement of a midfielder capable of taking the ball under pressure and keeping the play ticking over.
Another man who has called Carrington his home will kick-off his own tournament tonight, meanwhile. France taking on an Austria side coached by former Manchester United interim boss Ralf Rangnick.
Former Manchester United coach loves Michael Olise
Austria’s largely exhilerating form since Rangnick took over certainly has them in ‘Dark Horse’ territory, even without their pedigree stallion in David Alaba.
A dispiriting loss against pre-tournament favourites France would serve to drag Austria’s backers down to earth with a bump, then, with Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and co enough to give most defenders on the continent headaches.
It is a testament to the remarkable strengh in depth enjoyed by Les Bleus coach Didier Deschamps, meanwhile, that Michael Olise has been called up not for Euro 2024 but for the Olympic Games later in the summer.
Rangnick is a huge admirer of the £60 million Man United target. Not that he is disappointed by the absence of Olise from a game Austria will be hopeful of taking something from.
“He has never been called up by France but I love Michael Olise,” Rangnick tells L’Equipe. “If only he had Austrian origins!
“He is an exceptional player. He is quick, a strong dribbler, technically gifted and he works when he loses the ball. Whenever I saw him play, he had a smile on his face.
“I am not unhappy that Deschamps didn’t call him up!”
Ralf Rangnick’s Austria take on France in Euro 2024
The London-born Olise has represented France at Under 21 level but a senior call-up remains elusive for now despite his largely superb form over the last 18 months in the colours of Crystal Palace. Man United may be, according to some, Olise’s dream destination.
“I’m sure that the player would be really keen on joining Manchester United,” Fabrizio Romano recently told The United Stand of the Red Devils fanatic.
“That’s 100 per cent guaranteed.”
But with Chelsea, Liverpool and Newcastle interested too, the Red Devils appear powerless to make any moves towards triggering that £60 million release clause until either Jadon Sancho or Mason Greenwood are moved on first.
The good news is that Juventus appear keen to strike a deal for Greenwood in the very near future. The Serie A giants are reportedly offering around £25 million. And, according to the always reliable Gianluca di Marzio, Greenwood has given his preferance to the Bianconeri.
Not that everyone is too enamoured by the idea of Juventus signing a man who spent 2023/24 on loan at Getafe.
“(Bologna defender Riccardo) Calafiori and Greenwood are in the sights,” Stefano Impallomeni, the former Roma midfielder, tells Tuttomercatoweb.
“But, for the latter, I say that there can be better on the market.”