Real Madrid anger erupts amid Man Utd transfer interest

Real Madrid star Federico Valverde has been left ‘angry’ in a week that has seen him linked with a move away from the Bernabeu to Manchester United.

Valverde has grown tired of claims that he is not pulling his weight with Los Blancos. These were escalated following the club’s 5-0 Champions League win against Kairat when a video of him supposedly not putting enough effort into a warm up went viral.

He believes that a false image of himself is being portrayed both in the media and online, which prompted him to hit back.

“I have read several articles damaging my reputation,” he fumed on X. “I know I have had bad games, I am aware of that. I am not hiding and I am facing up to it. I am really sad.

“People can say many things about me, but under no circumstances can they say that I refuse to play.”

This is being played out amid a background of transfer speculation, with Valverde linked with an €80 million move to Man Utd as Ruben Amorim’s dream signing.

What’s going on with Fede Valverde?

Valverde has been a victim of circumstance under new coach Xabi Alonso. He has not immediately slotted into the club’s new high-pressing approach and injuries to right-backs Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dani Carvajal have seen him deployed in this unfavoured role.

This has prompted media speculation that he has demanded to play in a certain position.

What he has done, however, is go public to explain that he does not like playing as a full-back.

“I wasn’t born to play full-back, I didn’t grow up playing there. It was an emergency situation. Being able to do it well filled me with pride. But I always wondered if those games were just a bit of luck, spontaneous nights,” he told the media.

He then added: “Ask the manager, I’ve always said that I’m at the team’s disposal. I’ve never refused to play in any position. I always give my best, wherever I am.”

Valverde was subsequently benched for the clash against Kairat, with Raul Asencio shifted out to the right.

This was not something that appears to have shocked the Uruguay international, though.

“Sources close to Valverde say they are surprised by the controversy about his omission and touchline behaviour, as it was planned that he would be rested for the Kairat match. They added it was not true that he refused to warm up on the night,” The Athletic reports.

The message from Valverde, publicly in any case, is clear: he is at Real Madrid’s disposal, but he ideally wants to play in midfield.

Cracks have appeared in the relationship, though, and whether these grow in the coming months will be closely monitored – not least by the clubs, like Man Utd, who would love to have a player of his quality in their squad.

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