Brazil forward’s agent leaves door open to Manchester United move after previously claiming £86m bid

Unfortunately, Brazilian prodigy Vitor Roque’s agent didn’t elaborate beyond insisting that Barcelona were fighting off competition from not only Manchester United but also Premier League giants Tottenham Hotspur.

Perhaps that “€100m” outlay – or £86m for those of us on this side of the Channel – was the overall package. Including substantial bonuses, salaries over a period of a long-term contract and agent commissions.

What we do I know for a fact that in the Vitor Roque camp, the confidence that Barca were the right club at the right time for the former Athletico Paranaense starlet has been substantially eroded in recent months.

Manchester United return for Vitor Roque from Barcelona

Despite a bright start – Roque scored a late winner against Osasuna in January and followed it up with another goal against Alaves the following week – the 19-year-old poacher has spent recent weeks gathering dust on the pitch. Blaugrana the bank.

He didn’t play a single minute in that Champions League quarter-final with Paris Saint-Germain and was also ruled out of each of their last three La Liga games.

“Vitor Roque needs more playing time and it’s surprising why he’s not getting it,” sighs Andre Cury, the man who made Man United’s interest public in July 2023 (RAC1).

“He is ready and waiting for his chance. But there were several games where he could have been given an opportunity to shine. The player is mentally strong and in excellent physical condition.”

Frustrated at Camp Nou

Cury draws comparisons between Roque’s lack of game time and compatriot Vinicius Junior’s slow start at Real Madrid. But if things don’t change quickly, Roque’s future may be the subject of much speculation for a second summer in a row.

Mundo Deportivo reported that alongside Lyon, Sevilla, Real Betis and an Ineos-led Nice outfit, Man United have spoken to Roque’s training camp to inquire about the possibility of an early departure from the Camp Nou.

“He’s eager to prove himself. In Barcelona, ​​there is a lot of unnecessary media noise, false information and negativity. This doesn’t help,” adds Cury, while ruling out a temporary solution to the problem. “Look at Vinicius at Real Madrid. It took time to settle in, but now it’s thriving.

“The player is under contract with Barça. We chose Barca over other options because we wanted to play here. We think Vitor will become a great player.

“But if Barca don’t allow it – whether it’s the club, the coach or internal issues – we may have to explore other options.

“If the club does not make room for Vitor, unfortunately we will have to talk to the club to find a solution. A loan for a boy ends up hurting him because he goes to another club that doesn’t own him and has no interest in looking after him. This is very dangerous for the boy’s career.”

The agent said Man United wanted the Brazil ace last summer

“The best thing is to stay at Barca,” adds Cury. “But if he can’t stay, we will work to get him to leave for good,” adds Cury, again referring to those reported mega-money offers from England. “But the player and I chose to come to Barca for less than half the price offers from other clubs.

“We are happy at Barça and we want to continue. If it is not possible, we will meet with the president and (director) Deco to find a good solution for all parties.”

Man United are expected to prioritize a striker to ease the burden on Rasmus Hojlund this summer. Despite scoring 21 goals in his final season at Athletico Paranaense, however, Roque may be another risky signing in progress for a club that appears to need a more reliable and ready marksman of departure.