Lionel Messi would get into every starting XI in world football, right?It seems like the entire sport was put on standby when the six-time Ballon d'Or winner made the shock decision to hand a transfer request into Barcelona on Tuesday night.There had been murmurs that Messi would be reconsidering his future after the 8-2 Bayern Munich defeat, but there was definitely a sense of disbelief considering his long association with the club.
The race to sign Messi
But as surreal as the whole situation has felt, some of Europe's biggest clubs have been running the maths to see whether signing the Barcelona star would actually be possible this summer.
Inter Milan and Paris Saint-Germain have been two of the biggest names touted, while Juventus have been considered forming a super-team with Cristiano Ronaldo according to L'Equipe.
Nevertheless, Manchester City seem to have emerged as the frontrunners for his signature with the possibility of a reunion with former manager Pep Guardiola perhaps being the key factor.
United's outside chance
But that wasn't before the club across the city, none other than United, were also linked with a move for the Argentine and it was even reported that the Red Devils made contact with Messi's father.
Sadly for United fans, nothing ever seemed to come of that development and it's certainly feasible that Jorge Messi swiftly informed them that City were the preferred destination.
Nevertheless, that hasn't stopped supporters speculating about a world where Messi came to the 'Theatre of Dreams' and ESPN decided to quiz members of the public on said possibility.
Man Utd fan says 'no' to Messi
The global publisher uploaded a video to their Twitter page on Monday that showed a United fan arguing the case that Messi would not be a good signing for the club.
Unsurprisingly, the footage has since gone viral with the fan remarking: "I think it's not necessary. We need young talent, we don't need Messi. Messi's too old for Manchester [United].
"We need someone who helps us in the next five years. Messi is a washout. No, no, not at all. You don't have to finish your question. Not at all. We don't need him.
"We're good with the young talents that we have. We have to invest the money in young players. Messi is too old for us."
GIVEMESPORT's Kobe Tong says
I'm not sure Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would agree with you, to be honest, Mr. United fan.
To be fair, I completely get the point that he's making because sealing a move for Messi would drive a train through the club's finances, potentially at the expense of more long-term signings.
What Solskjaer is implementing at the club right now is by no means the sort of smash-and-grab hunt for trophies that would marry perfectly to a move for Messi.
Whereas City, on the other hand, are indeed looking for that extra little boost to propel them above Liverpool again and how better to achieve that than by signing Messi himself?
So, deep down, I do actually agree with the United fan's point, though not his claim that Messi is washed out, but I don't think for a second that they'd say 'no' to him if they had the chance.