There’s a fresh wind blowing through the Premier League’s defensive landscapes, and it’s got a distinct whiff of South London about it. Yes, if the corridors of footballing chatter are anything to go by, then Old Trafford’s scouting department has got their binoculars fixed firmly on Selhurst Park. And it’s not the match-day pies that have caught their attention.
Who’s caught the eye of the Man United?” I hear you whisper. The answer: none other than Crystal Palace’s rock at the back, Marc Guehi. Only 23, but with a footballing brain that belies his tender years, Guehi has been a defensive revelation down in the heartland of the capital
According to reports from South London Press, the meteoric rise of Guehi, who adorned Chelsea blue before becoming a towering presence for the Eagles, hasn’t gone unnoticed up in Manchester. After securing a switch from Stamford Bridge to Selhurst in July 2021, the young centre-back has since slipped seamlessly into the Eagles’ nest, clocking up a noteworthy 91 appearances in a relatively short span.
But it’s not just the numbers that are impressive. Remember, Chelsea still have a lingering shadow over Guehi, possessing the power of matching any accepted offer. And considering Guehi’s commitment until 2026 to Palace, it’s clear that any suitor would need to dig deep.
It’s one thing to stand out solo, but Guehi’s brilliance shines even brighter in partnership. Together with Joachim Andersen, the duo have forged a defensive pairing that, at times, feels akin to a brick wall. A wall that many a Premier League striker has bounced off, often with bruised pride.
Looking to the future, should Guehi swap his current red and blue for that of a slightly different hue in Manchester, it would surely be for a sum that eclipses memories of past deals. Recall, if you will, the not-so-distant past when Man United shelled out a cool £50 million for another of Palace’s treasured assets, Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Such precedent sets the stage for what could be an even grander spectacle this summer.
In the footballing world, where rumour mills often churn out more fiction than fact, only time will reveal the authenticity of United’s interest in Guehi. For now, the tales of Man United’s overtures towards Crystal Palace’s gem continue to make for compelling stories in the heart of South London.