Story by
Bournemouth's next star is another Man United transfer mistake, his 94% display vs Villa showed why
- Story by
- Bournemouth's next star is another Man United transfer mistake, his 94% display vs Villa showed why
Manchester United held interest in Antonio Silva but ultimately failed to make a move before Bournemouth swooped in.
The Cherries paid a measly £26million to sign the 22-year-old from Benfica and are now reaping the benefits from one of the deals of the summer.
Advertisement
The Portugal international was exceptional on Wednesday night as Bournemouth beat Aston Villa 3-0, with goals coming from Amine Adli, Lewis Cook and Alvaro Rodriguez.
Man United were not the only Premier League giants to be interested in Silva, who has been heavily tracked following his breakthrough at Benfica in 2022.
Yet when Bournemouth eventually made the move, they did so completely uncontested, and have paid a bargain price for a very talented player.
Man United will continue to keep tabs on the centre-back, but will have to pay a significant fee if their interest is to materialise.
Antonio Silva in sensational display vs Villa
Advertisement
Bournemouth were dominant on Wednesday, largely limiting Villa to half-chances and shots from outside the box.
Silva and Bafode Diakite had the tall task of defending Brian Madjo, who is a handful even on his worst day.
The 17-year-old giant dominated both Marquinhos and Willian Pacho when Villa played PSG in the Super Cup, but he had nowhere near as much fun at the Vitality Stadium.
Both Bournemouth centre-backs were constantly breathing down his neck, and but for one moment, when the ball fell to Madjo but he miscontrolled, he had extremely little to work with.
Silva is a young centre-back but showed his experience on the night, completing 94 per cent of his passes - including 15 into the final third, five more than anybody else on the pitch.
Advertisement
He also completed seven of his nine attempted long balls, in what was a technically brilliant display.
Defensively, the 22-year-old was even better. He made two tackles, one of which was as the last man, won three duels, made a block, a clearance and eight recoveries - more than any other outfield player.
Danny Murphy is wrong about 'massive' Bruno Fernandes development, Man United have made right call Man United will be back for Silva
With Harry Maguire coming to the end of his career and the likes of Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven unconvincing, Man United will undoubtedly be on the market for a new centre-back in the coming transfer windows.
Advertisement
Silva may well be their pick, and he would certainly be good pick for a defence in desperate need of technical and defensive quality.
But the 22-year-old will likely not be going anywhere anytime soon, if not for a mammoth transfer fee.
Man United will have to bide their time, and swallow the consequences that come with failing to act on your scouting.
