Manchester United’s feverish Twitter following have spoken. Atletico Madrid star Joao Felix simply must be signed if the club is to continue on their current upward trajectory. Just like Frenkie de Jong was an essential purchase last summer or Wesley Sneijder was for about 15 summers before that.
But is there some merit to the potential capture of the La Liga forward? After all, while United’s squad has been improved by manager Erik ten Hag’s summer shopping spree, there remains an imbalance in attack. Veteran forward Edinson Cavani departed over the summer while Anthony Martial’s injury issues have limited his availability. Marcus Rashford can moonlight centrally, but looks far more convincing out wide. Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo wants to leave the club at the earliest possible opportunity. In short, United are light on centre forwards.
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Like trying to appease a hungry cat, could Felix be the answer? Reports suggest those discussions have been taking place inside the walls of United’s Carrington complex. Those talks have been happening elsewhere too. Bayern Munich reportedly lodged an £85 million bid for the player in summer, which was rejected by Atleti.
Would United be prepared to pay such a premium? The club hierarchy are certainly not afraid of a sizable fee. The Red Devils spent over £200 million over the summer. That outlay makes it highly unlikely they would push the boat out for Felix this January. But a summer move isn’t impossible, especially considering Ronaldo’s monstrous wages will be off the payroll when his contract expires.
The player would likely welcome any interest from a club the size of United or, indeed, Bayern. Felix has endured a frustrating time at the Metropolitano since joining as their fourth-most expensive signing in history back in 2019. An injury-hit first few seasons gave way to a breakthrough campaign last year. Felix won the Atletico Madrid Player of the Season award but once again ended the year on the treatment table.
These frustrations have boiled over this campaign. Figures inside the club have reported concerns with the Portugal international’s fitness levels. Meanwhile, Felix has grown publicly frustrated at his lot. Last month he threw his training bib when he was overlooked as a potential substitute against Club Brugge. Against Porto on Tuesday, in the 2-1 defeat that would confirm their Champions League exit, matters worsened. Felix stepped up to take a penalty but found himself overruled by Yannick Carrasco, who went on to miss the crucial kick.
Atleti’s European exit, bottom of a group they were favoured to win, appears to be what has piqued the interest of United fans. Ten Hag’s side are playing Europa League football this season but recent form has the Red Devils fanbase dreaming. In Felix, are they dreaming of the right man?
31 goals in 127 games for Atletico suggests perhaps not. While capable of playing anywhere across the front line, Felix’s goal tally and style of play suggests he’s not a number nine. Often preferring to drop deep in either a second striker or number ten role, it is hard to see where the 22-year-old would fit in Ten Hag’s plans. United have an in-form attacking midfielder in Bruno Fernandes and another, Christian Eriksen, who currently plays deeper in order to fit into the side. United need an out-and-out forward and Felix isn’t one.
But his talents are clear for all to see. Despite his troubles, he has still dazzled at times in Diego Simeone’s defence-minded set-up. One wonders if a manager who allows his players more attacking freedom, such as Ten Hag, would bring the best out of him. With the fluidity the Dutchman likes in attack, perhaps the Portuguese would be a better fit than the current incumbent Ronaldo. One can certainly picture him interchanging with Rashford and Antony on the flanks to pull apart defences.
Modern problems require modern solutions and Felix would certainly be a modernist step after the footballing orthodoxy of Ronaldo. But Ten Hag and his team must tread carefully. While Felix’s discipline problems may just be the headrush of youth, it is still a facet that would need careful management. With the player’s patchy goal record, it might not be a risk worth taking.
