It’s very rare to see players move between Manchester’s two big clubs. Carlos Tevez was the last to do so in 2009, with the Argentine leaving Manchester United for rivals City having failed to come to terms over a deal to make his loan stay permanent. Tevez instantly became a deeply disliked figure with the red half of Manchester, and went on to become a big part of City’s first wave of success after their take over by the Abu Dhabi royal family. Still, such instances are exceedingly rare these days, given the increasingly intense nature of the relationship between Manchester’s two footballing powerhouses.
In one of the more ridiculous stories of his summer’s transfer window, however, The Sun are suggesting that United are trying to lure City keeper Joe Hart from Eastlands this summer. With United’s no.2 Sergio Romero reportedly on the verge of exiting Old Trafford having played understudy to David De Gea for three seasons, the report suggests that United could attempt to sign Hart as a replacement and back-up for the Spaniard. Celtic shotstopper Craig Gordon and former United ‘keeper Ben Foster, now at West Bromwich Albion are also mentioned as alternatives.
The suggestion that United would wish to purchase Hart from City is difficult to accept as truthful at any point, but given the former England international’s form in the last two seasons, it seems hilarious. Hart has endured a deeply poor run of form over the last few years, and has failed to impressed on loan at both Torino and West Ham United, leaving him with little-to-no future at the Etihad Stadium.
Quite why United would then be interested in signing the player is beyond reason, especially when Jose Mourinho has specifically lauded Joel Pereira’s abilities in the past, and would clearly be happy to see his fellow countryman act as De Gea’s deputy should Romero leave the club. Best to file this one under ‘highly unlikely’.
