According to Jonathan Shrager, Manchester United are stepping up their efforts to sign Kieran Trippier. The right-back has been successfully plying his trade in Spain since 2019, however, speculation shows a return to England is likely.
Manchester United Still Interested Kieran Trippier
Back in Form
Kieran Trippier is fresh from winning La Liga with Atletico Madrid. The right-back originally signed for Atletico in 2019 for £20 million-plus add-ons, becoming their first English player in 95 years.
Since joining, he has helped them claim their first title win for seven years. Trippier made six assists in 35 appearances in all competitions during the title-winning season. Notably, Trippier’s appearances in this campaign triggered a one-year contract extension which keeps him at the club until 2023.
Trippier is held in high regard as Atletico and Trippier is enjoying his time there, telling The Guardian: “It’s been a roller-coaster season and to be able to help my team achieve this, I can’t put it into words.”
Trippier’s improvement has gone under the radar for many, however, the player claims a big improvement under Simeone. Reported by the Evening Standard, Trippier spoke of his improvement while at Atletico: “The manager’s worked me relentlessly, he’s run me into the ground! Honestly, we could have 40-minute sessions one-on-one about where he wants me to be, about crosses coming into the box, attacking the ball, my body shape, when to go forward, when not to go forward.”
Fine Tune Transfers for United
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer released eight United players and wants to continue the rebuilding process. As reported by Manchester Evening News, Solskjaer explained the importance of investment: “We are second best, but too far behind to threaten those who won. Then we have to strengthen ourselves.”
Solskjaer’s United finished second in the Premier League but were still some distance from the winners’ Manchester City. With twelve points separating the sides, United will need to strengthen.
Manchester United only have Aaron Wan Bissaka, 23, at right-back hence the interest in Kieran Trippier. Trippier’s arrival would offer cover for any potential injuries but he could also push for a starting berth.
As a set-piece specialist and much more experienced player, Trippier offers something different. Wan-Bissaka is a stalwart defender but often looks out of place further up the pitch. However, Trippier, especially in the last season, is more suited to playing further up the pitch. Notably, he started as a right midfielder 13 times out of 28 league matches.
In the recent fan forum, Manchester United co-chairman Joel Glazer promised more investment. “Our goal is to win every competition we compete in, and we will continue to invest in our academy and in the transfer market to support the manager in an effort to meet the club’s goals.”
Fans were able to air any grievances with the board at the forum after the failed attempt of joining the European Super League. Fans may pressure the Glazers into heavy investment as protests against their leadership continue.
A Return to England Inevitable for Kieran Trippier
Gareth Southgate named Kieran Trippier in his Euro squad. A somewhat shocking choice, Trippier joins England’s already over-saturated right-back selection. Trippier is ready to fight for his starting place, though. With Trent Alexander-Arnold ruled out by injury, there are still three right-backs in the squad.
Although, Trippier has already written his name into England folklore with a majestic freekick in the fifth minute against Croatia in the World Cup semi-finals, Southgate may look to the set-piece expert for added attacking threat.
Reported by the Evening Standard, Southgate spoke of Trippier and his achievements at Atletico: “We’re a bit myopic, people don’t talk about Kieran because he’s playing in Spain. He’s won LaLiga, he’s been voted in the team of the season, but nobody mentions him.” This is a clear indication that Trippier will not just be a backup option for England.
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