Neal Maupay, an Everton forward on loan, has messaged Manchester United.
Nathan Patterson, Jarrad Branthwaite and Neal Maupay during an Everton training session (Image: (Tony McArdle/Everton FC via Getty Images))
In a very funny move, Neal Maupay has offered to sign with Manchester United this summer.
The 27-year-old striker has attempted to sign with the Red Devils, but he is currently on loan at Everton from Brentford. There has been no mention of a transfer to Old Trafford in any capacity.
Tuesday night, Maupay uploaded a video of himself at a driving range to X, the platform that was formerly known as Twitter. In less than a day, the Frenchman received over 500,000 views, and many fans made fun of the shot, which he mishandled and ended up chipping at a ninety-degree angle.
One particular response from a user going by the handle @LARSENMUFC caught our attention; it asked Maupay if he would be content with a squad role at Manchester United on the video game EAFC 24, which was formerly known as FIFA. They first signed the striker on a loan when he was in career mode, but they now wish to sign him permanently.
“Neal, I signed you on loan for my Manchester United career mode and I’m wondering if you are happy to stay as a rotation option?” @LARSENMUFC wrote in response to Maupay’s tweet. If you agree to take on the squad depth role, I’m happy to extend the agreement. Lmk.”
Over 35,000 people liked the forward’s response on X, which was seen by 2.5 million users. Laughing, he shot back, “With the wages they pay?! Where should I sign, mate? [laughing while crying emoji].”
With the wages they pay?! Where do I sign mate 😂 https://t.co/jHNbuwBd0s
— Neal Maupay (@nealmaupay_) April 30, 2024
Jarrad Branthwaite, Maupay’s Everton teammate, has been linked to a move to Old Trafford recently, but Maupay hasn’t. The 21-year-old defender has made 32 appearances in the Premier League this season, helping Sean Dyche’s team move out of the bottom three. His contract at Goodison Park expires in 2027.
Thanks to his outstanding performances, the England Under-21 international has reportedly drawn interest from a number of teams, including Manchester United. The young player is reportedly at the top of the club’s shortlist going into the summer transfer window, according to the Manchester Evening News.
Though Branthwaite has drawn Ten Hag’s attention, he has stated that he is still focused on helping Everton win games before considering his options come summertime. The Cumbrian-born stopper responded, “You have just got to block it all out,” when asked last month about rumors about his future.
“I believe that concentrating on external factors can divert your attention from your responsibilities on the field. I have one goal in mind right now: winning games for Everton through the end of the season.”
