Jamie Carragher thinks Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak is ‘special’ and a player that would be ‘absolutely fantastic’ for Manchester United.
On Sunday, Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United beat Erik Ten Hag’s side 2-0, with Alexander Isak starting, and whilst he didn’t get on the scoresheet, Carragher thinks the opening goal from Joe Willock was all down to him.
In the summer, those in the St James’ Park boardroom broke their club-record transfer record to bring the Sweden international to the Premier League from Spanish side, Real Sociedad.
Whilst the 23-year-old has had his injury issues, which have continually disrupted his chances to get some consistency and rhythm going, all of that is now starting to be pushed behind him.
And, to nobody’s surprise, he is starting to stick his chest out and perform for a Newcastle team that is sitting third in the Premier League table – Wayne Rooney shared who he thinks will get fourth this season.
From that debut at Anfield against Liverpool to his most recent performance, it’s fair to say that Isak has a fan in Jamie Carragher, as he told Monday Night Football on Sky Sports (03/04/23 at 11 pm).
“I love him,” said Carragher. “I love watching him play. I mean Manchester United need a centre-forward, you look at him and I think he would be absolutely fantastic for Manchester United. They could have got him at the start of the season. When I first saw him at Anfield, I think it was his first appearance, he looked outstanding and he looked eclectic.
“Look at his body shape (when Man United are playing out from the back). He is thinking ‘go on, please give that to de Gea’. He doesn’t just press the goalkeeper. He’s ready, out of the blocks and he is off. It goes this side (to Varane in a right-sided fullback position) and this leads to the goal.
“Anybody who tells you that centre-forward play is all about scoring goals is just leaving in a dream world. This is what centre-forwards have to do. They have to press. They have to have pace. Energy, score goals and be involved in the build-up play.
“I just love the energy and aggression on that ball – that touch on the left foot, that touch then on the right foot (in the build-up to Willock’s opener), then to play a pass (to Bruno Guimaraes), honestly, I think it’s absolutely fantastic. That goal is down to him. But the most important player, in that game going 1-0, was Isak – I think Newcastle have a special, special centre-forward.”
ISAK IS GOING NOWHERE
A couple of years ago, under a different regime, Newcastle would have feared losing a player of Isak’s quality to perhaps almost anyone in the Premier League.
But that’s no longer the case for a team that can argue that has been the best behind leaders Arsenal and second-placed Manchester City this season.
In terms of the league table, that’s what it reads, but the performances have probably suggested that also.
Whilst Manchester United need a centre-forward, and there is talk about Harry Kane, they won’t be getting one from Newcastle anytime soon because they are once again their rivals for many years to come.
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