The Everton right-back has been backed by Roy Keane to play for Manchester United.
Talksport pundit Danny Murphy
Danny Murphy has explained why Manchester United would not want to sign Everton’s Seamus Coleman.
The Toffees right-back this week received the blessing of Roy Keane, Republic of Ireland’s assistant boss, to one day play for the Red Devils.
But Murphy, who spent much of his playing career at Everton and United’s closest rivals Liverpool, does not believe Coleman would upgrade on Jose Mourinho’s current options.
When discussing Keane’s comments on Talksport on Thursday, Murphy queried: “Do you think Seamus Coleman – I’m asking, just an opinion – do you think he’s better than (United right-back, Antonio) Valencia?”
And after co-host Jim White suggested that Coleman would be a good acquisition for United, the 39-year-old replied: “What, to sit on the bench? He’s not better than Valencia. Not for me.”
Previously a winger, Valencia has made United’s right-back position his own in recent seasons and recently had his contract extended by a further year until 2018.
And while the Ecuadorian will be almost 33 by the time his deal expires, Coleman is only three years his junior.
Everton picked up Coleman for a mere £60,000 from Sligo Rovers eight years ago, and the 42-cap international has gone on to make just shy of 250 appearances on Merseyside.
Everton’s Seamus Coleman celebrates
This is arguably Coleman’s best season yet, with the Irishman having scored four goals and created as many in 23 Premier League outings thus far.
Would the Everton man be a good signing for Manchester United?
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
