talkSPORT pundits stunned live on air as Everton flop Anwar El Ghazi linked with Manchester United
talkSPORT pundits Andy Townsend and Ally McCoist reacted with surprise amid rumours Manchester United are weighing up a move for Everton flop Anwar El Ghazi.
The Daily Mail reported on Monday [11 September] that El Ghazi, who is a free agent after leaving PSV last week and is therefore able to join a new club outside of the transfer window, is on United’s radar.
Chris Wheeler reported for the British newspaper that United are tempted to give the 28-year-old another chance in the Premier League, but he also has offers from teams in Saudi Arabia.
In response to the speculation, Townsend said on talkSPORT Breakfast [12 September]: “I can’t believe that. They’ll be going for El Ghazi? No, I can’t see that.
“He’s hardly kicked a ball since he left [Aston] Villa. Wherever he’s gone, he’s hardly played.
“He went to Everton around the time they changed managers, so he never featured there. I’m not even sure he played a game for Everton… he may have come off the bench a couple of times.
“Then he was at PSV and he didn’t do a lot there so that would be amazing if he turned up at Old Trafford.”
Co-host McCoist added: “I don’t think that’s the answer to [United’s] problems.”
Surely not
Townsend was spot on – El Ghazi played two games on loan at Everton in 2021-22 (believe it or not), both as a substitute and totalling just 11 minutes on the field.
As far as Goodison Park careers go, it was one of the more forgettable ones.
While he did appear more frequently for PSV last season, his contract was terminated by mutual consent on 4 September, which says it all.
That is not to say the twice-capped Netherlands international cannot still do a job at the right club, but it is staggering that a team the size of Manchester United are left scrambling for free agents of El Ghazi’s ilk.
In typical circumstances, should the shock transfer indeed go through, you can guarantee El Ghazi will have a say when United visit Goodison Park in November.
More likely, though, this rumour will soon be put to bed and the Dutchman will end up joining the Saudi influx in the coming days.
In other Everton news, a prominent pundit has revealed the “dirty” tactics he used to try to lure a Toffees player to Manchester City in the past.