Barcelona and Manchester United are set for a bidding war for Benfica’s star midfielder Renato Sanches reports Mundo Deportivo. While Benfica and Barcelona share a good relationship, Manchester United’s financial muscle might prove to be the decisive factor. Jorge Mendes, who represents a number of superstars is believed to be the man brokering the deal between Benfica and Manchester United. With Louis Van Gaal’s fate hanging in the balance and Jose Mourinho expected to take over from the Dutchman, it remains to be seen who is the man behind the pursuit of Sanches.
Ed Woodward, who is totally in control of the transfers at the club, is building a reputation for himself after engineering big money moves last season for Depay and Martial. While Depay’s season might not have gone according to the plan, it is too early to call the transfer a failure given his age.
On the other hand, Martial, whose transfer and the price drew a lot of eyeballs has been a success at United, leading the scoring charts for his club in the very first season.