Manchester United could be about to see why they have dodged a bullet with Joao Felix
Felix #Felix
For several weeks, Manchester United were closely linked with a move for Atletico Madrid striker Joao Felix.
After a reported bust-up with manager Diego Simeone, the Portuguese youngster has been looking for a way out of the Spanish capital. United looked to be a destination perfect for the 23-year-old.
Following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo the Reds were, and still are, in desperate need of a striker to add depth to their forward line. Erik ten Hag is also thought to be a fan of Felix so a move seemed ideal.
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However, United could not come to an agreement with the La Liga side over the move. Some reports suggested that it was because the Reds were not willing to pay the loan fee being asked while others claimed that it was due to Felix being more attracted to the project being set out by Chelsea.
Either way, United may be about to witness why missing out on Felix was not such a bad thing after all. In February of last year, the striker conducted an interview which nearly caused similar chaos to the infamous Piers Morgan conversation.
During a chat with The Athletic, Felix said: “I think we all know what the problem is [with the team], I don’t want to say though.” When propositioned with the remarks in a press conference, an angry Simeone replied: “About what Joao said, you can ask him.
“I work according to the team. If he is clear about what the problem is, it would be good to know.”
Whether he was right or wrong it can at least be agreed that Felix’s comments were unusual for a footballer still at a club. They exposed a rift in the squad that was unhelpful for Simeone at that time.
With a track record of saying it how it is in public, it does beg the question whether he will do the same at Chelsea. Their current problems under Graham Potter are concerning for supporters but a player coming out and making similar comments may only worsen things.
Having dealt with one player who was disrupting the harmony at United, Ten Hag did not need to add another outspoken character into what he has now made into a cohesive dressing room. The Reds could well be about to see why missing out on Felix was for the best.
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