When news broke last night in the British press on Manchester United inquiring about the availability of Raheem Sterling this summer, social media had a quick meltdown.
The 20-year-old looks likely to leave Liverpool this summer but even entertaining the thought of a move to Man United is, well, outlandish to say the very least. After all, no player has moved directly between the clubs since 1964.
Sir Alex Ferguson completely dismissed Gabriel Heinze’s attempts to join Liverpool and Brendan Rodgers would undoubtedly do the same with Sterling were he to request a move to United.
What did fans think of the news? Overall, there was certainly a mixed bag of reactions:
We've already got ADM, Depay, Januzaj and now we're enquiring about Sterling and tapping up Bale? I don believe it
— Sam (@SamCad96) May 20, 2015
Sterling to MUFC? Meh. Not worth the reported 150k a week that he wants, nor the hassle of dealing with his agent Aidy Ward
— Eugene Wong (@EWHK70) May 20, 2015
I wish the rumours about Sterling were true….Sterling on the right and Depay on the left ๐
— Nancy Hayek (@LoveDonald4Ever) May 20, 2015
Can't understand why any United fan wouldn't want Sterling? Adds pace, flair, lighting interchange from defence to attack. He worries teams.
— Illmatic (@JohnByName) May 20, 2015
Sterling would have to spend his wages on armed guards.
— United Religion (@Unitedology) May 20, 2015
https://twitter.com/FutbolFinn/status/601141672966225920
Seriously, news of United enquiring for Sterling is a useful smokescreen. Won't happen, gets people talking, proper business can get done.
— iwan (@IwanLikeThis) May 20, 2015
Enquiries aren't much to go on. It could have just been a simple email/call/fax. But shows there's early intent from #mufc #Sterling #lfc
— Lee Gormley (@LeeGormley) May 20, 2015
https://twitter.com/ConstantRed/status/601141709116993536
Like Luis Suarez when he was at the club, Sterling has the ability to worry United when he has the ball at his feet and there’s no doubting his ability on the pitch.
However, it is his off the pitch attitude and approach which has caused so much disdain among Liverpool’s fans, something which should understandably concern United fans.
It will certainly be interesting to see how this story develops over the next couple of months.
What do you think about the Raheem Sterling rumours? Is there any chance he could join Manchester United? Let us know in the comments.