Manchester United accept defeat in Brian Brobbey chase

Manchester United have accepted defeat in their Brian Brobbey pursuit, according to reports. 

The Red Devils were chasing the 20-year-old’s signature amid uncertainty over Cristiano Ronaldo’s future.

Brobbey spent the second half of the last campaign at Ajax, scoring seven goals in 11 Eredivisie appearances. 

The Dutch forward made only six starts, but United manager Erik ten Hag still wanted to bring him to Old Trafford. 

However, he now looks to be heading to Ajax as Manchester United expect him to sign for de Godenzonen, according to Manchester Evening News. 

A big blow

Brobbey started his senior career at Ajax before moving to RB Leipzig last summer. However, he struggled for minutes at the Red Bulls and returned to Amsterdam on a six-month loan spell. 

He has been praised for his physical strength and pace on the counter-attack, while he also possesses excellent goalscoring prowess. The Dutch forward could have been a future star at United.  

Erik ten Hag knows him well and clearly rates him very highly. The 52-year-old has a reputation for developing youngsters, having already turned several young prospects into world-beaters at Ajax. 

Brobbey has plenty of potential, and he could have become a future star at Old Trafford. 

However, it now looks like he will be heading to Amsterdam rather than Manchester which is a big blow for the club. United should now turn their attention to other targets as they look very thin in the forward department. 

Edinson Cavani has already departed after his contract expired, while there are doubts over Cristiano Ronaldo’s future after the forward handed in a transfer request. 

The Red Devils have been linked with a move for Victor Osimhen, but the Napoli forward would cost them an enormous transfer fee.