Brentford’s £30 million asking price appears to have put an end to Manchester United’s interest in Rico Henry, as the Premier League giants look for a replacement left-back following the injury to Luke Shaw.
However, this was maybe to be expected.
Rico Henry isn’t a 30-year-old quick fix like Marcos Alonso or Nicolas Tagliafico. Like Chelsea benchwarmer Marc Cucurella, he was never going to be available on loan.
Henry is as important to Brentford as Bryan Mbeumo, Christian Norgaard and co. He is one of the first names on Thomas Frank’s team sheet, playing arguably of the best football of his career at the age of 26, and – what’s more – perhaps the most in-form left-back in the whole of the Premier League.
Did we mention that Henry still has three years left on his Brentford team sheet. And, with so little time left in the window, Brentford’s £30 million asking price is even a little less than some may have predicted (TEAMtalk).
Such a fee brings an early end to Manchester United’s interest, however; the Red Devils lodging an enquiry about the former Walsall flyer after losing both Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia to long-term injuries.
“It’s very difficult to get top players in the position Rico plays,” Brentford boss Thomas Frank said of a player who, if included in Gareth Southgate’s squad for the September international break, should soon be making a belated England bow.
“He needs to continue developing. But he’s lightning quick, his one-on-one defending is fantastic, he’s full of energy down the left side and now he’s added goals to his CV.
“He’s an interesting left back and I understand if England look at him.”
The most likely – if short-term – solution to Manchester United’s left-back problem appears to be Marc Cucurella. The £55 million Spaniard is keen on the move, and Chelsea are willing to listen to loan offers (Fabrizio Romano).
