Martino to Manchester United – Its up to Fabregas although I would keep him

Gerardo Martino, new Barcelona manager has given Manchester United fresh hope in their pursuit of Cesc Fabregas. He has admitted that the decision rests with the midfielder.

United have also had two bids rejected from the Spanish champions for the former Arsenal captain and they are now weighing up whether to attempt a third bid to secure his signature.

“I would prefer him to stay with us and I dare say he will, but it’s his decision” said Martino.

Barcelona have been adamant throughout that Fabregas will not be going anywhere but these comments from Martino seem to have created a softer tone towards the questionable deaparture of the Spanish midfielder.

He continued to say  “I had a short chat with him and told him what I think. Cesc will decide the situation, but it has not occurred to me that I won’t be able to count on him. He is one of the best players in the squad. I think he will stay. But there’s a part that he has to decide.”

Fabregas has started more games than any other outfield player for his club this season but it is reported that he is not happy that he has been substituted as many times and he is also finding it hard to command a place in the team when it comes to Barcelona’s important games.

Martino has admitted that if it was his decision, he would not let the 26-year-old go. On Friday’s game against Santos, he came on for the second half and scored twice before setting up the final goal for teenage striker Jean Marie Dongou.