Manchester United Would Be Foolish to Waste Time Chasing Andres Iniesta

Manchester United would be wasting their time pursuing Andres Iniesta, as the midfielder has insisted he is happy at Barcelona.

Iniesta’s future has been a topic of debate in recent days, following reports that he had rejected a new deal at Barcelona.

That news led to talk of interest from United and Manchester City, but Iniesta has moved to clarify his future by insisting he and the club are on the same page.

Speaking at a press conference, reported by Goal.com’s Keeghann Sinanan, Iniesta said:

"

There is nothing strange or any war going on between Barca and Iniesta. The club wants me here and I want to stay here.

I have said many times that my aim is to retire here and the club wants the same. We all want to reach an agreement.

"

Iniesta has been a mainstay of the stellar Barcelona midfield for the best part of a decade. He has forged a superb understanding with fellow Spain international Xavi, with his style of play marking him out as the kind of ball-playing creative force United have been crying out for.

United made a play for Iniesta’s teammate, Cesc Fabregas, in the summer. They also failed with a bid for Thiago Alcantara, who instead opted for Bayern Munich.

Red Devils boss David Moyes snapped up Marouane Fellaini late in the transfer window, but he is still reported to want a playmaker—per Paul Hetherington of the Daily Star—a role Iniesta would slot into.

However, the Spaniard has two years remaining on his current contract, and the indications are such that he will extend his commitment.

With Iniesta likely to stay, United should not waste time pursuing a player who is almost certainly out of reach.