Maybe Fabrizio Romano needs new catchphrase. An anti-‘here we go’ if you will.
Because, only a few hours after reports emerged suggesting that Manchester United were hot on the heels of a talented, teenage centre-forward, Romano came along to rain on this particular parade.
It was Bild who reported on Thursday morning that Winsley Botelli was on his way to England. Man United allegedly made contact with the striker’s camp earlier in the week.
Boteli currently represents Borussia Monchengladbach.
And, when he turns 18 on Friday, he will finally be eligible to sign the first professional contract of his career.
Man United would have had to pay a compensation fee to get Botelli through the door but that would presumably have been no obstacle, given how highly the Switzerland Under 18 international appears to be regarded.
Gladbach supporters will be breathing a sigh of relief, then, as Romano takes to X to confirm that not only is Boteli ‘not joining Man United’, he is also set to put pen to paper with the Bundesliga outfit at some point over the next 24 hours or so.
Manchester United miss out on Winsley Boteli
Interestingly, Bild adds that it was Erik ten Hag’s trusted assistant coach Mitchell van der Gaag who had laid some of the groundwork for Boteli’s potential arrival at Old Trafford.
Van der Gaag coached Boteli’s agent – Christopher Mandiangu – during their time together at FC Eindhoven.
The youngster, who can also represent the Democratic Republic of Congo at international level, boasts a highly impressive record in youth football.
Per Transfermarkt, Boteli has 39 goals and 10 assists from 58 appearances for Borussia Monchengladbach and his previous, Swiss-based employers Servette.
Van der Gaag future uncertain
As for Van der Gaag, the Dutchman’s future appears to be in limbo as Man United prepare to add Rene Hake and Red Devils legend Ruud van Nistelrooy to Ten Hag’s coaching staff.
The Athletic report that Van der Gaag has ambitions to work as a number one again in the future, meaning he could follow Benni McCarthy and co out the door.
Compatriot Hake also has a long and strong relationship with Ten Hag. It was the Man United boss who played a key role in his appointment as FC Twente’s youth coach all the way back in 2005.
Interestingly, Ten Hag has again driven the talks that could see him reunited with Hake in England’s north west.
“Erik called me and asked if I was open to it,” Hake told ESPN on Wednesday. “I don’t think I have to explain that I didn’t have to think about it for very long before saying yes.
“It’s a great step for me and a great challenge. It’s great to gain experience in the biggest competition in the world.”
Hake’s current employers, Go Ahead Eagles, have made it clear that they will not stand in the 52-year-old’s way.
Man United are yet to formalise a deal to make Hake the latest new hire of the Ineos era, however, though a resolution feels imminent following the confirmation of Ten Hag’s contract extension.
“I have received many congratulations, but they are not yet fully justified. It is in the offing, but it is not yet officially completed,” Hake added.
“We are waiting until everything is formally completed.
“You know that all the legal matters have to be checked. You just have to be patient, but it can’t go fast enough for me.”
Read more: Who is Rene Hake? Manchester United want coach Ten Hag called ‘incredibly driven’