In-Demand Partizan Belgrade Striker Reacts To Manchester United Transfer Links

Partizan Belgrade striker Umar Sadiq has reacted to speculation linking him with a summer move to Premier League giants Manchester United.

The former Nigeria U23 international was the star of the show as Partizan defeated bitter rivals Red Star Belgrade 1-0 in the Eternal derby on Wednesday.

Budimir Vujacic, who is a Manchester United scout for Central and Southeast Europe, was among the 16,000 spectators that watched the game at the Partizan Stadium, while scouts representing Spartak, CSKA, Lokomotiv Moscow, Anderlecht, AC Milan, Valencia and Fenerbahce were also in attendance.

Sadiq pointed out that manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had to field a strong team in the second leg of their Europa League meeting at Old Trafford back in November because the Serbian side were a tough nut to crack in Belgrade. 

Asked to comment on the alleged interest from Manchester United, Sadiq was quoted as saying by Republika : "A big compliment for me as a player! But believe me, nothing is accidental.

"In Partizan, we work thoroughly before every game and not only when we talk about tactics and video analysis, but also about the human relationship.

"Whether it is Chief Milosevic or someone else from the expert staff, they are always there for us".

The Partizan number 9 added : "Partizan helped me a lot in my career, I found my way and now I just follow what they ask of me. I think this is just the beginning of my success, and the motivation is there!

"As for Manchester United, I think that they were surprised by our game in Belgrade and that is why they played the best team during the visit, which was not the case afterwards. That speaks enough about respect for Partizan! "

Scorer of seventeen goals in all competitions this season, Sadiq is watching the ongoing game between Partizan and Cukaricki from the stands.

Igho Kingsley