Despite their hoighty-toighty hopes, poker game shenanigans and abject failures in the recent summer transfer window, one could be forgiven for assuming that any footballer worthy of mention seems to be on Manchester United’s busy radar with the club blowing hot but landing up cold on their transfer targets and ultimately landing only Donny van de Beek from Ajax.
Solskjaer and United’s top brass were linked with a move for Grealish throughout last season amid his fine performances in helping Villa stay in the Premier League. But the summer transfer window came fleetingly and left just as speedily with Grealish still at Villa Park, while United’s only acquisition being Ajax midfielder Donny van de Beek.
But while Dutchman Van de Beek, huffing and puffing away on the bench, is yet to make a Premier League start under manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Grealish has carried on amazingly where he left off last season stunning one and all.
The 25-year-old has scored five goals and created another five in his eight games so far – seven of which were in the Premier League.
Grealish was man of the match in England’s 3-0 win over Wales – which inevitably begs the obvious question why this has been his only international start so far – and was masterful as the artful dodger in Villa’s 3-0 win over a stunned and outclassed Arsenal last weekend.
The Manchester Evening News report that Jack Grealish is again back on Manchester United’s transfer radar after a stunning start to the season for the Aston Villa captain, with Old Trafford expected to renew their interest in the superhot star when the transfer window reopens. So what’s new?
If the brilliant midfielder keeps up his current form, and no reason why he shouldn’t, it won’t just be the Old Trafford outfit who are after him.
Here’s what the Premier League’s top managers have said about the Aston Villa star whose quicksilver pace and mercurial moves have left many a manager, player and pundit with mouths agape even this early in the new campaign for both club and country.
Brendan Rodgers: “He’s got a real in-built brain for football. When he carries the ball, his awareness of his space really shows me the talent he is.
“He understands where space is, he gets tackled a lot, he stays on the ball a bit longer than other people and draws fouls, but also draws people out of position. His weight of pass is exceptional.”
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer: “Last game they caused us some problems, both Grealish off the left and [Anwar] El Ghazi off the right. [Grealish] scored a fantastic goal.
“There’s been lots said about him, and we need to be aware of him. Whether he is off the left, middle or right, he attracts players to him.”
Pep Guardiola: “He’s incredible. A top player. He’s a talented player who always creates something. Grealish is an exceptional player. One of the best in the league.”
Jurgen Klopp: “What a footballer. Bringing Jack Grealish in his best position, maybe, we have to prepare for different stuff.”
Paul Merson: “The lad is just unreal. He is one of the only players I just love watching play. I think he is the most talented English player we have got. He is the nearest thing to Paul Gascoigne we have had.”
Don’t be surprised to see the lad landing in one of these top squads anytime soon.