Juventus
Man Utd dropping interest in signing this 32-year-old French midfielder would work wonders -Here’s why
Man United Opinion: Red Devils should drop their interest in Blaise Matuidi
According to Calciomercato in English, Man United are in the market for Juventus midfielder Blaise Matuidi, with reports claiming that the Bianconeri might allow the 32-year-old Frenchman to depart Turin this summer.
Matuidi,32, has only a year left to run on the three-year deal that he had signed while joining Juventus from Paris Saint-German back in the summer of 2017.
Given that Juventus have already strengthened their midfield with the arrival of Adrien Rabiot and Aaron Ramsey this summer, new manager Maurizio Sarri has apparently deemed the World Cup winner surplus to requirements at the club. (h/t Calciomercato)
The same report claims that Matuidi’s agent Mino Raiola is also trying to negotiate a deal with the Frenchman’s former club PSG in order to ensure that his client finishes his career with one last big paycheque.
Matuidi played a key role for Juventus last season, as Max Allegri’s side won the Serie A title and made it to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League. The 32-year-old contributed with 3 goals and 3 assists in 42 appearances for the Bianconeri in the previous campaign but it seems that he has played his last game for the Italian heavyweights.
The central midfielder, who was one of the key driving forces behind France’s triumphant 2018 FIFA World Cup campaign in Russia last summer, is still regarded as one of the best in his position in Europe.
Matuidi enjoyed a trophy-laden spell with PSG in his homeland and won as many as 16 trophies over the course of six seasons, amassing an impressive tally of 33 goals and 30 assists in 295 appearances in all competitions before moving to Juventus.
Matuidi’s stint at Juventus has proven to be an equally fruitful one, with the Frenchman playing a pivotal role in the Bianconer’s back-to-back Serie A triumphs under Max Allegri. The 32-year-old has scored 7 and created a further 6 in 88 appearances for Juventus in all competitions till date.
To put things into perspective, Blaise Matiuidi is very much a household name in European football and his tally of 606 senior competitive appearances for the likes of Troyes, Saint-Etienne, PSG and Juventus speaks volumes of his consistency and high fitness levels.
He reminded the fans in the World Cup last summer that age is merely a number and it would be fair to say that he still has a lot to offer at the highest level.
However, he wouldn’t be the best possible signing for Man United, given that such a move would go against the transfer policy that the Red Devils have adopted under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The Norwegian has made his intentions very clear with the signings of Daniel James and Aaron Wan-Bissaka that he is looking for a youthful overhaul of his squad and 32-year-old Matuidi would be a glaring misfit in that regard.
A highly energetic box-to-box midfielder with wonderful tackling and ball-winning attributes, Matuidi is nearing the end of his prime years as a footballer and, although he has done exceptionally well in recent times, the Frenchman is at a stage in his career where his powers are going to start waning very soon.
Hence, the fans at Old Trafford aren’t likely to see the best of him for too long even if United go ahead with a deal for the 32-year-old.
A new centre-back continues to be a priority for the club but the Red Devils are also in dire need of bringing in reinforcements in central midfield to cover for the departure of experienced heads like Marouane Fellaini and Ander Herrera, whilst Paul Pogba’s future continues to be up in the air.
It is a no-brainer that Matuidi would be an excellent replacement but his advancing years should prompt United against making a move for him this summer.
United have adopted the right kind of approach in the transfer window this summer in the sense that the Red Devils are finally looking to plan for the long term, with Solskjaer now at the helm of affairs.
That stance calls for the recruitment of young and promising players or even proven ones who are in their prime years, and certainly not ageing stars who are nearing the twilight of their career.
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Keeping that in mind, the Red Devils should drop their interest in the World Cup winner and look at younger alternatives in the market.
Arsenal Dragon
Former Arsenal Midfielder Linked With Move Back to WSL Less Than A Year After Juventus Switch
Lia Walti could be set for a return to the Women’s Super League less than a year after leaving Arsenal for Juventus. The Switzerland international departed the Gunners on September 4, 2025, in a move that supporters had long expected, though it did little to soften the emotional impact.
She signed a deal with Juventus running until 2027, beginning a new chapter in Italy. However, according to Soccerdonna, Walti has now been linked with a potential return to England’s top flight, which is absolutely surprising given how recently she departed.
Made 12 Appearances for Juventus
Since joining Juventus, Walti has made 12 appearances in all competitions with nine starts. She has accumulated 717 minutes, contributed two assists, and earned Team of the Week recognition on two occasions, which demonstrates she remains an influential midfielder.
While her performances in Italy have been solid, speculation around her future suggests a possible early return to familiar surroundings. The 32 year old won the WSL title, lifted the Continental Cup twice, and played a crucial role in Arsenal’s Champions League triumph in her final season.
London City Could Emerge as Destination
A player of Walti’s quality and experience would be an asset to any Women’s Super League side. London City Lionesses have built a reputation for recruiting experienced internationals and could emerge as a potential destination, which would be a smart move from Michele Kang.
However, given Walti’s pedigree, she would strengthen virtually any midfield in the league. The Swiss captain has earned over 130 international caps and led her country at three major tournaments, including Euro 2025 on home soil.
A return to the WSL would bring experience and leadership back to one of Europe’s most competitive leagues, which is frankly what the division thrives on.
Also read: Why the League Cup Win Is A Big Boost for Chelsea Going Into Next Block According to Sonia Bompastor
Chelsea
Joe Montemurro Makes Remarkable Juventus vs Chelsea Comparison After Matildas Gets Past Best Team at Asia Cup
Joe Montemurro showed a flexibility to his approach in the Women’s Asian Cup quarter finals that meant the Matildas prevailed by adapting to the circumstances in front of them, even if it was contradictory to the style that is in his DNA. Australia edged North Korea 2-1 in Perth to make the semi finals in what was a resilient performance against the tournament’s best team.
“Let’s be frank and honest here. Winning football games like that, it usually happens in tournaments,” Montemurro said after the victory. The Italian boss then turned to his captain, Sam Kerr, in the press conference and referenced one of his key wins in European football with Juventus against her Chelsea side.
Had 450 Million Shots and We Had One
“I’ve done it a few times like that in Champions League. I think there was a game against Chelsea, we got a draw. They had 450 million shots, and we had one,” Montemurro said with a smile. This Champions League reference perfectly illustrated the type of performance Australia needed to overcome North Korea.
He added, “We knew that they were a great side. They’re the best team in the tournament. They really are. So we just had to be methodical. Where we won the game were the little bits in between, as we were losing the ball or as we were winning the ball to keep our shape and keep our organisation. We didn’t create much. We had to resist a lot.”
It’s Who I Am But Part of Remit to Win
Montemurro was absolutely honest about abandoning his preferred style for tournament pragmatism. “Do I want to play a possession based game? Do I want to keep the ball? It’s who I am. It’s my DNA, but part of my remit is to win football matches,” he explained.
He continued, “Sometimes you have to have that flexibility. At this level, it’s all about moments. It’s all about taking those moments.”
Juventus Femminile hosts Wolfsburg Women at the Allianz Stadium on Monday evening in the Women’s Champions League knockout phase playoff second leg. The tie is finely poised at 2-2 after a dramatic first leg in Germany, with the winners progressing to face Lyon in the quarter finals.
Massimiliano Canzi’s side were cruising towards a stunning upset victory in Wolfsburg before it all fell apart in the final 10 minutes. Juventus led 2-0 thanks to goals from Ana Capeta and Amalie Vangsgaard but conceded a late penalty before Sarai Linder fired home a spectacular equalizer deep into stoppage time. The Italian champions will be absolutely gutted to have thrown away such a commanding advantage.
Kick-off: 18:45 CET, February 19, 2026
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Turin
TV: DAZN
Juve Must Overcome Heartbreaking Collapse
This is a massive opportunity for Juventus to reach the Champions League quarter finals for the first time in years. They were so close to taking a two goal cushion back to Turin, but now face a nail biting second leg with everything to play for. Canzi’s counterattacking game plan worked brilliantly for 80 minutes in Germany, and they will likely adopt similar tactics at home.
The big concern is midfielder Lia Wälti, who was forced off with an injury in the first leg. Her status remains uncertain, and losing her would be a huge blow given how crucial she has been in European matches this season. Paulina Krumbiegel is pushing for a start after impressing off the bench.
Wolfsburg Riding Wave of Momentum
Stephan Lerch’s side snatched victory from the jaws of defeat thanks to Linder’s heroics. The dramatic comeback has given Wolfsburg huge momentum heading into this second leg, though they know they were extremely fortunate to escape Germany with a draw after such a poor performance for most of the match.
Lineth Beerensteyn admitted afterwards that Wolfsburg did not create many big chances and were frankly lucky to get the result. They will need to be significantly better in Turin if they want to progress.
Predicted Lineups
Juventus (4-2-3-1): Peyraud-Magnin; Calligaris, Harviken, Kullberg, Carbonell; Caruso, Schatzer; Bonansea, Krumbiegel, Pinto; Vangsgaard
Wolfsburg (4-2-3-1): Schult; Linder, Kleinherne, Wedemeyer, Pujols; Minge, Peddemors; Huth, Popp, Bussy; Beerensteyn