This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…
QPR’s early season form has resulted in Premier League clubs taking an interest in Ryan Manning, but Mark Warburton remains confident about keeping him at the club.
What did he say?
Manning is in fine form currently and has been effective for the R’s playing either at left-back and left wing-back, with his ability going forward a particular highlight of his play so far.
He has three assists so far but has also achieved an average of 2.2 key passes per game, making him influential in the goalscoring records of Nahki Wells, Jordan Hugill and Eberechi Eze.
It is little surprise that West Ham and Newcastle have taken an interest, and if he continues the form that has earned him a call-up to the Republic of Ireland, then it will surely only be a matter of time before a bid comes in.
However, even if an approach is made his manager is confident that his head won’t be swayed. Speaking to West London Sport, he said:
“Ryan’s been playing well and it’s part and parcel of the game that there’ll be speculation about a player who’s performing well.
“It doesn’t bother me and I know Ryan is happy here and knows he has to stay fully focused. In many ways the more speculation there is about players the better. It means they’re doing well.”
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Misguided thinking?
Warburton’s stance is a bold one to take considering the club’s recent history in regard to selling players, but it is a nice change for fans and will likely increase their confidence that Manning will stay.
However, Luke Freeman, one of their top performers last season, was allowed to leave when a Premier League club came calling in the summer, while other senior players such as Jake Bidwell and Pawel Wszolek were released in a bid to cut back on the wage expenditure.
As a result, it is clear that QPR are working on a budget, and therefore if a suitable bid comes in it is likely Manning will leave, regardless of whether he is happy at the club currently.
It is a sad reality of life in West London, as it also means that Eberechi Eze is unlikely to stay at the club for too much longer, with Southampton among the clubs reportedly interested in his services.
To retain both would indicate a change in stance and a backing of Warburton, and would see the club move back in the right direction and begin to build on the good work they have implemented so far this campaign.
