Pressure on Sean Longstaff as £40m Manchester United rumours resurface

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Manchester United are reportedly back in for Newcastle United’s Sean Longstaff. Ole Gunnar Solksjaer wants to bolster his midfield this winter and Ed Woodward will arm him with some cash to sign a central midfielder.

According to The Daily Star, Man United will test Newcastle’s resolve with a £40m bid for Longstaff. This comes just before Man United’s trip to St James’ Park. This is a massive game for Longstaff and he needs a big performance.

Longstaff’s poor form

Longstaff burst onto the scene last season and was a key player for Rafa Benitez. Operating in a central midfield role, the youngster was even touted as a potential England player.

But since recovering from his injury, he has not been the same player. Longstaff has struggled for form this season under Steve Bruce and Newcastle are in the relegation zone. This poor form needs to be reversed as soon as possible.

Hayden suspension increases pressure

Newcastle midfielder Isaac Hayden was shown a straight red card in last week’s 5-0 embarrassment against Leicester City. Coupled with Jonjo Shelvey’s injury, Newcastle now have a mini-crisis in midfield.

This is why Longstaff needs to step up. He will be carrying the Newcastle midfield when Man United come to town at the weekend. This will be a good test for Solskjaer to see just how good his midfield target is.

Big performance needed

Newcastle need a performance, Longstaff needs a performance and Man United will want to see an individual performance from their number one January target. This pressure will either see Longstaff sink or float.

If he sinks, he might cost himself a move to Man United or a place in the Newcastle team – whichever he prefers. If he floats, he could spark a turnaround in Newcastle’s fortunes or earn his £40m Man United switch – whichever he prefers.