Rogers once called United 'no bigger team' as £90m transfer pursuit takes shape

Manchester United have contacted Aston Villa to explore a potential deal for midfielder Morgan Rogers, with Sky Sports France reporting the approach as Arsenal also circle the 23-year-old England international. Villa are expected to demand more than £90 million for a player who registered 14 goals and 12 assists across all competitions this season.

Rogers’ own words may give United an edge in any bidding war. Speaking after Villa’s 2-1 victory over United in December — a game in which he scored both goals — Rogers said: “It’s massive. Every game is important, there’s no bigger team than United. They came here to play, they’re a tough team to play against and we’ve not had a great record against them recently so we knew we had to put it right and we’re happy with the three points.”

United manager Michael Carrick is looking to strengthen his midfield and left wing this summer, and Rogers fits both positions. The pair have an existing relationship from their time together at Middlesbrough, which could prove significant in any negotiations. Rogers is also viewed as a potential long-term successor to Bruno Fernandes in a central role.

Arsenal, who are in the market for a left-winger, are said to have contacted Rogers’ agent directly, setting up what could become a straight contest between the two clubs for his signature.

Villa’s qualification for the Champions League complicates the picture. Rogers is reportedly open to a new challenge but is not actively agitating for a departure. When asked recently on The Rest Is Football podcast how he handles transfer speculation, he was measured: “I think the first time it ever happened it was [impactful]. You’re in an uncomfortable spot of not realising that people have so much interest in you. But as you get older and gain experience along the way, you know that comes with it and 95 per cent of it is just noise. You hear it, course you do. You can’t help not. You know it’s there but you’ve got to use it in a positive way. You just try and get on with your game and just focus.”

The Manchester Evening News reported in early May that United were already considering a move for Rogers, making this week’s contact the clearest sign yet that the club intends to pursue a deal seriously.