Johan Cruyff urges Thiago Alcantara to make Manchester United move

File photo of Johan Cruyff

Barcelona legend Johan Cruyff has urged Thiago Alcantara to leave the Spanish champions in order to complete his transfer to Manchester United in the summer. The 22-year-old has long been linked with a move to Old Trafford, with the Premier League champion’s new manger David Moyes keen on securing his services.

Alcantara was the star for Spain during the recently concluded U21 European Championship in Israel, which was eventually won by his side where he scored a hat-trick in the final of the competition.

The Spaniard’s time at Camp Nou has seen him being dropped on the bench with Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Cesc Fabregas being preferred ahead of him. The situation has resulted in his appearances been restricted at the Catalan club, and Cruyff now wants the La Masia product to make a move away from his current employers.

“At this point comes the philosophy of the club – you should assign, sell and invest in a player and do it as what you think is right. If he really has little chance to play, then he has to go. It all depends on Barcelona’s plans,” the Metro quoted Cruyff as saying.

“However, if Barca tell him that he will be a starter, he should stay put. It’s all quite simple really. Thiago has a lot of quality and he has plenty of time as he’s still young. Any decision he will take will prove to be a good one,” the former Ajax man added.

Moyes will officially take in charge of the role at United on Monday and should he manage to seal a move for Alcanatara in the summer, it will bolster the English champion’s midfield for the new season.