From Ajax Samurai To Lyon Warrior: Tagliafico’s Premier League Ambitions And The Manchester United Dilemma
As Manchester United prepare for a pivotal Europa League quarter-final showdown against Lyon, the focus is unexpectedly drawn towards one of their opponents: World Cup winner Nicolas Tagliafico. The Argentine left-back harbours unfinished Premier League dreams, past transfer sagas, and candid insights into United’s tumultuous transition that weave a compelling subplot to this clash.
United’s 0-0 derby draw against City left much to be desired, intensifying pressure to salvage the season via European competition. Their trip to Lyon offers a shot at redemption, Champions League qualification, and perhaps a bittersweet reunion with a man they nearly signed not long ago.
Back in summer 2023, Erik ten Hag wanted to bring his former Ajax stalwart Tagliafico to Old Trafford—a reunion that was sensationally blocked by Lyon despite a 'very good' offer. Instead, United settled on Sergio Reguilon as a last-minute fix. Tagliafico, understandably disappointed then, still yearns for a Premier League move before hanging up his boots, describing English football as “the hardest in the world”. With his Lyon contract running out this summer, the 32-year-old could finally realise that ambition—though United’s managerial shake-up and change of project might have shut that door for good.
This crossroads arrives as Tagliafico embraces new challenges with characteristic resilience, shaped by a career-defining yet traumatic defeat. He still recalls Lucas Moura’s injury-time heroics for Tottenham in the 2019 Champions League semi-final, which shattered Ajax’s fairytale run overseen by none other than Ten Hag. “Maybe we relaxed... Those experiences make you more mature,” he reflects, invoking the Japanese proverb “fall seven times, rise eight”. His admiration for samurai philosophy has earned him the nickname ‘Samurai’, underlining his warrior mindset on the pitch.
Having lifted the World Cup with Argentina—“like playing Bingo and all your numbers coming up”—Tagliafico’s perspective sharpened. Trophies had weighed heavily on him; now, such pressure has eased, allowing him simply to relish these big European nights. Yet the competitive fire burns as brightly as ever—especially with redemption in mind against English teams.
Perhaps most intriguing are Tagliafico’s candid thoughts on United’s ongoing struggles post-Ten Hag. He attributes some of the disconnect at Old Trafford to the Dutchman’s challenge moving from moulding youth at Ajax to managing older, established stars. “It’s not easy to get them to follow in the same way,” he admits, acknowledging the complexities Ten Hag faced amid big egos and higher stakes.
Meanwhile, his fellow Argentine, Alejandro Garnacho, has become emblematic of this messy transition. Since Ruben Amorim replaced Ten Hag, Tagliafico observes Garnacho losing confidence due to tactical shifts and perhaps insufficient support. “He has talent, for sure he can be a star,” Tagliafico says, but insists young players like him “need more support on the pitch” and clear communication to thrive—areas United must urgently address if they are to rebuild successfully.
United’s lacklustre attack in the recent derby, likened by Tagliafico to a tense chess game, might inspire Lyon’s hopes. Still, he warns: “If you leave a gap, they can still kill you.” His respect for the individual quality of Bruno Fernandes and Garnacho is clear, but he believes Lyon’s strength is their unity—a test of whether teamwork can outshine star power on the European stage.
Much remains uncertain: can Amorim find the right formula after a shaky start? Will Garnacho rediscover his spark at Old Trafford or seek pastures new? And will Tagliafico finally get his long-desired Premier League move? As Lyon and United lock horns, these personal stories add complex layers to what’s at stake beyond just a semi-final berth.
One thing is clear—the Europa League undercard is far more than a consolation prize. Narratives of redemption, ambition, and unfinished business ensure compelling viewing. How do you see United’s evolution under Amorim? Should Premier League clubs take the plunge with Tagliafico? Join the discussion below and share your thoughts.
