Manchester United Face Battle To Keep Hold Of Star Player: Should Solskjaer Offload Him In January?

According to Calciomercato, Alex Telles is among the players targeted by Juventus in the upcoming January transfer window. The Italian giants are targeting several Manchester United players as they look to strengthen their ranks, with Telles now emerging as a target. The fullback has had a difficult time at Old Trafford and a move away from the club could be on the cards.

Alex Telles’ Struggles At Manchester United

Alex Telles joined Manchester United in the summer of 2020. He was considered as a potential alternative for Luke Shaw, who was struggling with form and fitness.

Unfortunately for the Brazilian, his arrival at the club helped Shaw step up his performances and even emerge as one of the club’s best performers last season. The former Southampton star was also heavily involved in England’s Euro 2020 campaign, helping the Three Lions reach the final.

As for Telles, has game-time was restricted to just 691 minutes, the majority of which came during the early phase of the campaign. In fact, the fullback featured in just three matches during the second half of the season. His problem with lack of game-time has continued in the new season, as the defender has played in just 17 minutes of league football so far.

It has been rather unfortunate for Telles, with Ole Gunnar Solskjajer unwilling to rotate his squad even when Shaw is struggling to replicate his performances from last season. Hence, it won’t be surprising to see the former FC Porto starlet leave the club in January.

Should Manchester United Let Him Leave?

The potential departure of Alex Telles in the upcoming January transfer window could be disastrous for Manchester United. While the fullback may not have played a crucial role for the team over the past 12 months, his presence in the team has kept Luke Shaw under the pressure.

The Brazilian also serves as a back-up for the England left-back, and Solskjaer can easily call on his services, should the other face fitness issues or sustain an injury. Therefore, the Red Devils certainly cannot afford to offload Telles anytime soon.

But if they are to keep hold of the 28-year-old, they must offer him more game-time and pressurise Solskjaer to rotate his squad more frequently, especially for the European games. Alternatively, United could cash in on Telles in January and instead sign a cost-effective alternative, who won’t demand much game-time at Old Trafford.