BAYERN MUNICH have put a host of Premier League clubs on red alert by admitting that Leon Goretzka is “unhappy”.
The 29-year-old German international midfielder has been brutally axed by new boss Vincent Kompany this term following the arrival of Joao Palhinha from Fulham.
Goretzka has been at Bayern since 2018 and remains under contract until 2026 but he could be set to push for a move in January.
He has played just one minute of competitive football under Kompany and failed to even make the bench for Saturday’s 6-1 victory over Holstein Kiel.
Manchester United and West Ham have been long-term admirers of the experienced star.
A host of other top-flight clubs would also be keen should Goretzka become available.
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And the prospect of him departing Bayern appears to be very real as director of sport Max Eberl revealed how miserable the ex-Schalke man is.
He said: “We communicated very clearly from the start.
“Leon knew that we were relying on Pavlo [Aleksandar Pavlovic], and that we would bring in with Palhinha and that Josh [Kimmich] would play more in the centre again.”
He added: “We’ve also said that when Leon is there and ready to face the situation, he’ll be treated completely normally.
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“Leon’s a great guy. I like him a lot, even though he’s obviously upset at the moment. I understand that too. But that’s part of life in football.”
Bayern know that his value will drop significantly once he enters the final 12 months of his contract in June.
That means that they could look to push him out of the door in January with a potential loan-to-buy agreement.
Although his £273,000-a-week wages could be an issue.
Man Utd ratings vs Southampton as Onana saves a penalty and Rashford finally scores
MARCUS RASHFORD scored his first Premier League goal in 189 days as Manchester United cruised to a 3-0 victory at Southampton.
The Red Devils got back to winning ways after suffering defeats in their last two Prem games, with Matthijs de Ligt notching his first Man Utd goal.
But United had Andre Onana to thank as the keeper kept out Cameron Archer’s penalty at 0-0.
Here’s how SunSport’s Charlie Wyett rated United’s stars…
Andre Onana – 7
Saved the penalty by Cameron Archer, albeit a poor one from the Southampton forward.
But that stop and the stopped rebound proved to be absolutely crucial.
Noussair Mazraouri – 7
Needed treatment after falling awkwardly in the first half but that did not stop him from delivering a solid performance.
Also got forward to good effect before being one of three United defenders to be subbed off.
Matthijs De Ligt – 8
Shaky start defensively but was unmarked to score from Bruno Fernandes cross to calm United’s nerves with the opener.
He was delighted to get his first United goal and dedicated his celebration to his wife’s birthday today.
Lisandro Martinez – 7
Not been in great form so anything was an improvement – although Saints’ attack was toothless.
Diogo Dalot – 5
Suffered an absolute shocker of a first half courtesy of Southampton’s tricky wingers.
Conceded the penalty after bringing down Tyler Dibling but was also constantly exposed throughout the half.
Kobbie Mainoo – 6
United continue to lean far too heavily on such a young player. And this defensive role does not really suit him.
Christian Eriksen – 7
A surprise starter although United’s two goals came from his corners.
The system, though, still does not play to his strengths as he is too deep.
Bruno Fernandes – 7
Cracking corner cross ball from Eriksen who plonked the ball on the head of De Ligt.
Amad Diallo – 7
Looked lively throughout – really encouraging. Teed up Rashford for the second goal.
Joshua Zirkzee – 6
Forced a couple of saves by Aaron Ramsdale but does not look like a 25 goal-a-season striker.
Marcus Rashford – 7
Hopefully the second goal will give him a real confidence boost. Also forced a couple of saves from Aaron Ramsdale.
SUBS
Garnacho (for Rashford 73 mins) 7
Was brutally fouled by Stephens who saw red shortly after coming on. Notched United’s third goal of the game in the final minute.
He struck high into Ramsdale’s high corner after a brilliant ball from Casemiro.
Manuel Ugarte (for Eriksen 73 mins) 6
Harry Maguire (for Mazraouri 74 mins) 6
Jonny Evans (for Martinez 77 mins) 6
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
