Manchester United’s rumoured interest in AFC Bournemouth star Matt Ritchie is not a surprise, according to the player’s manager Eddie Howe.
The 26-year-old joined Bournemouth from Swindon Town in 2013 and played a very crucial role in helping his side make it to the Premier League. Last season, he scored 15 goals and managed 17 assists and has continued to impress this season with two goals and an assist this term.
Louis van Gaal is looking to add a winger in the mid-season transfer window. ESPN reports the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager is preparing a move for Ritchie in January.
Howe, who is the manager of the right winger claims Ritchie’s rise in form is a threat for opponents and his star player is not leaving Dean Court anytime soon.
“Matty’s (Ritchie) a good player so it’s not a surprise to me he’s linked to the top clubs. “We’d have to see that (a United bid) on its individual merit, but certainly we’re not looking to sell him,” Howe told Sky Sports.
“Matt Ritchie on form and playing well is a threat to anybody. Whenever any of our players gets linked, it’s not welcome by us. We’re not a selling club and we certainly want to keep the squad together if we can in January and not the other way.”
Summer signing Memphis Depay, new rising star Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata and Andreas Pereira are the first choice wingers at the club. However, the Dutch international has struggled since moving to Old Trafford from PSV Eindhoven in the summer and has lost his place to Lingard in recent times.
Van Gaal has already admitted that is looking to add more pace to his side in order to improve United’s attack. Lack of players with fast legs has been concerning for the Dutchman and he will be hopeful the situation can be changed in January.
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