By Dave Marshall
Few would forget Morgan Schneiderlin’s performances at Southampton just a couple of seasons ago. The France international was the archetypal grass to grace story for the Saints, as he journeyed from non-league football to the top echelons in the English game. He is now a Manchester United player, and he is surplus to requirements under Jose Mourinho. The Red devils would be willing to do business with other clubs, as the transfer window opens in two months time.
The Mirror reports that the 20-time English champions are looking to cash in on the 27-year-old for around £12.5m, a paltry fee compared to what they paid for him last season under Louis Van Gaal. The star, who earns in the region of £100k-a-week, has played just 10 minutes of Premier League football this campaign, and is not highly rated by Jose Mourinho. His current deal runs out in the summer of 2019.
United fought off competition to sign the defensive midfielder last season, with the likes of Tottenham, Chelsea and Arsenal also interested in his services. The midfielder has endured a frustrating time in his Old Trafford career, never at any point establishing himself as an automatic starter. Schneiderlin is an exquisite midfielder, capable of playing as an anchorman, deep lying playmaker who combines a wide array of skills which include: ball winning ability, excellent passing range and astute reading of the game.
He will offer quality to any decent mid-table team in England, and the desperation of United to offload him may well work to the favour of the likes of Everton, West Ham United and even his former club, Southampton. The door, however, it has to be said, is not close to Schneiderlin at Old Trafford. Jose Mourinho is yet to settle on his first team selection, so any player who proves his mettle may well get to start. He could also move to Crystal Palace, as he enjoys a fruitful working relationship with Alan Pardew, who coached him at Southampton about seven years ago.
