Manchester United are reportedly considering a move to bring defender Michael Keane back to Old Trafford, less than two years after he left the club.
The 23-year-old joined Burnley in January 2015 on a permanent basis after an initial successful loan spell at Turf Moor and has gone on to become an integral part of Sean Dyche’s side.
Having been an ever-present in their promotion run from the Championship last season, Keane has continued to impress in the Premier League so far this season and provided a direct reminder as to what United let go when he helped the Clarets to a goalless draw at Old Trafford last month.
According to ESPN FC sources, United are now weighing up whether or not they should try to bring him back, despite failing to give him a chance last time round.
Jose Mourinho has several defensive headaches currently through a combination of injuries and what he perceived as a lack of commitment from certain players last weekend when they were made unavailable for selection as they were carrying knocks and didn’t believe they were fit enough to feature.
In turn, Keane would be a sensible addition if United believe that he can mature and improve into one of the leading defenders in the Premier League on a consistent basis.
However, they’ll have trouble convincing Burnley to sell given his importance to the promoted outfit, and it may well take a significant offer to test their resolve.
United have already shown that they are willing to bring former players back to the club if they feel it will lead to success for the current team by signing Paul Pogba this past summer.
On one hand it could be argued that it’s bad management to be letting these players leave in the first place, having failed to identify their talent and make them a crucial part of their future.
In contrast, it isn’t always easy to pick out talent at that stage of their careers along with other circumstances that make it difficult, and given the turnaround that a club like United probably see, it’s a tough job to get it right every time.