Morgan Rogers would be ‘dream signing’ for Man Utd after heroics | Football | Sport

Morgan Rogers has emerged as Manchester United’s ‘dream signing’ ahead of the January transfer window. The 23-year-old is in scintillating form and he also showcased his brilliance during Aston Villa’s 2-1 victory over United at Villa Park last Sunday afternoon. The England international bagged both goals for Villa; the first a stunning long-range curler, followed by a similar finish from closer range.

The victory stretched Villa’s remarkable winning run to 10 matches as they mount a title challenge, and with Bruno Fernandes forced off injured, it exposed to Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim the exact calibre of player his squad is missing. This view comes from former United striker Louis Saha, who reckons the club should make an audacious move for Rogers.

Speaking to FootItalia, Saha said: “In January, I see a need for a replacement who can spark our midfield creativity. In addition to Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount, there’s a need for speed in the creativity there. I think Conor Gallagher would’ve been a good signing, he has the legs and the power, I’d also love to see Morgan Rogers at United.

“He definitely has this power, while he reminds me a bit of Joelinton. That kind of power, and still very technical, and able to go forward. Having that kind of presence in the midfield is so important. I see Rogers as being able to actually bomb forward, but also get pressed and keep the ball, giving time for other players to move into different positions. He is the type of player United need.

“It’s a very interesting profile that’s rare in the sense that a lot of players are very athletic, but in terms of making the right choice with that athleticism, that’s not easy. So I can see Rogers as being a dream signing.”

Crucially, Rogers has previous links with United’s director of football, Jason Wilcox, dating back to their days at Manchester City. Wilcox was heading up City’s academy when they forked out £4.3million to snap up the then-16-year-old Rogers from West Bromwich Albion in 2019, meaning the attacker will already know key personnel within the United hierarchy.

Several City academy graduates are flourishing throughout the Premier League, with Cole Palmer being the prime example. United would surely jump at the chance to capitalise on their rivals’ error of judgement, though any club chasing Rogers will discover Villa aren’t prepared to let him go on the cheap.

“Morgan Rogers is performing fantastically, but he has started the season not getting (goal-scoring) numbers but playing well,” Unai Emery remarked after defeating United. “Always doing his task, always with the commitment he’s showing, with the attitude he has, played each match.

“Today he did the same and scored goals, of course. He is the protagonist. I’m so, so happy because he’s a fighter. He’s a good guy, very good guy. His commitment with Aston Villa is massive, and his attitude every day is really fantastic. And when he’s getting numbers like today, of course, we are very proud of everybody, but especially today with him.”