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CAPTAIN MATERIAL? United "gamble" on Ansu Fati?
There was a lot of speculation regarding the armband, as there always is this time of year, with Jan Oblak and Lisandro Martinez 2 names tipped to lead the team into Season 3 but it's another season where the kids are given the responsibility, a trait seen as influential for development by United it would seem. With a debut campaign bagging over 20 goals, Outten was impressed with the Spaniards attitude despite a period in the campaign, where Fati scored just once in 8 matches.
Speaking on the choice Outten said: "We've seen in previous seasons, young players thrive when wearing the armband at this club, and we feel it'll elevate Fati to the next level. We saw his quality last season, he had a great goal output and contributed a lot in our general play going forward. It will be a big step for him, but we have every bit of confidence this will do him even more wonders, and he'll thrive at the opportunity."
Outten was asked if the move was simply a ploy to deter interested parties.
"No, not at all. We know Fati is not leaving the club, we're happy with him, he's very happy here. We never explored the sale of him he was always expected to be here. Sure, he interests a lot of parties, nearly every top team has attempted to negotiate but we're not interested in doing so. It's as simple as that"
Fellow striker, and last seasons captain, Karim Adeyemi is reported to be disappointed with the decision and felt he did a good job leading the team. With some online outlets reporting an instant transfer request had been handed in. However, Outten swiftly quashed the reports believing Karim is in a good place.
"It's the first I've heard. Karim like anyone, loved earing the armband and leading the players but he knows our beliefs and thinking and he's still an important leader. He knows he has a role in the dressing room, and if I'm right, he's already congratulated Ansu on X (twitter). So I don't know where this has come from quite frankly."