BAUER SET FOR DEBUT OF DREAMS
MORITZ BAUER is in line to make his Stoke debut at Old Trafford as his new club’s search for a successor to Mark Hughes continues.
The Austrian international, who joined from Rubin Kazan earlier this month, is relishing a possible debut against Jose Mourinho’s United.
Bauer said: “It’s unbelievable – it would be a dream, like something from a movie.
“I have always wanted to challenge myself in the Premier League, just as every footballer in the world has.
“So to possibly step out in the league for Stoke City in a game against Manchester United is incredible – it is very exciting.
“Of course, nothing is certain and if I don’t play I will still be there giving all of my support to the rest of the lads.
“I am really looking forward to my time here, and hopefully we can get positive results very quickly, possibly even on Monday night.”
Espanyol manager Quique Sanchez Flores (left) was the favourite to take over from Hughes after the Potters had to abandon their hopes of luring Gary Rowett away from Derby when he signed a new contract.
It is understood a Stoke delegation met Sanchez Flores in Barcelona on Wednesday and it had been reported that the 52-year-old Spaniard, who had a year in charge of Watford which ended in May 2016, was offered a five-year contract.
However, speaking at a pre-match press conference ahead of his side’s La Liga clash with Athletic Bilbao last night, Sanchez Flores said he was happy to stay at Espanyol, where he signed a three-year deal in 2016.
Stoke’s attention has now turned to Republic of Ireland manager Martin O’Neill and his assistant Roy Keane to take on the challenge of keeping the club in the Premier League.