Boost for Man United as target makes u-turn on move to Premier League rival after poor start

Manchester United recorded their fifth Premier League win of the season on Sunday as they came from behind to beat Everton 2-1 at Goodison Park. 

Alex Iwobi’s stunning strike had put the hosts ahead, before Antony’s third goal in as many league games drew United level.

Cristiano Ronaldo – who hadn’t scored in the league so far this season prior to the match – then grabbed his 700th club career goal to put Erik ten Hag’s men ahead.

That is how things finished, meaning United remain in fifth place, just a point off of the top four spots.

It appears that there could be more good news for United, too, as one of their transfer targets has reportedly ruled out a move to a rival.

PSV forward Cody Gakpo was heavily linked with a number of clubs over the summer, but a move to Leeds United looked to be the most likely scenario for the player until now.

As reported by The Athletic, the 23-year-old has decided against a move to Elland Road following The Whites’ poor start to the new season.

Jesse Marsch’s side currently sit 14th having won just two of their eight games in the league so far, and the report claims that their poor form has proved to be enough to deter Gakpo.

It is claimed that Leeds have been informed that the player is no longer interested in a move to Yorkshire, with other clubs having become increasingly interested in the player’s services after a superb start to the season.

Gakpo already has 23 direct goal contributions so far this season; the same amount as Erling Haaland

The Dutch international has scored 13 goals and provided 10 assists in just 16 games across all competitions for PSV this term, making him one of Europe’s most in-form players at present.

Last season, his tally of 21 goals and 15 assists was enough to attract interest from a number of clubs including The Red Devils and Leeds, with the latter reportedly close to signing the player on deadline day over the summer.

It has also been suggested by The Mirror that the player had agreed personal terms with the club ahead of a proposed move in the upcoming January window, however that now appears to be irrelevant as he has instead decided against the idea.

Leeds were on the lookout for attacking reinforcements over the summer following the departure of Raphinha who joined Barcelona, but they ultimately failed in their pursuit of Gakpo and it now appears that they may have missed their chance.

It is suggested in the report that negotiations between Leeds and PSV had gone on beyond the summer window deadline, however the Premier League side have now been informed of the player’s decision.

Manchester United were also believed to be interested in the player prior to the signing of £86 million winger Antony, which meant that they could no longer afford a move for the PSV star.

Gakpo made his debut for the Netherlands senior team during Euro 2020 last year and he has since become a regular for Louis Van Gaal’s side, scoring three times in nine caps so far.