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Major League Soccer announced it’s 2019 Best XI squad this afternoon and Minnesota United is represented by not one but two players this year. Defender of the Year Ike Opara and Goalkeeper of the Year Vito Mannone made the cut on to the squad. They were selected alongside Defenders Miles Robinson (ATL), Walker Zimmerman (LAFC), Midfielders Eduard Atuesta (LAFC), Carles Gil (NE), Maxi Moralez (NYCFC), Alejandro Pozuelo (TOR), and Forwards Zlatan Ibrahimović (LAG), Josef Martínez (ATL), and Carlos Vela (LAFC).
Wouldn't want to play pick-up against this crew. #BestXI pic.twitter.com/vhmwCyZR4b
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) October 28, 2019
Ike Opara has already reportedly inked a deal to stay with MNUFC for 2020 and beyond in a “Multi-Year” deal initially reported by The Athletic’s Jeff Rueter.
BREAKING: The 2019 Defender of the Year has landed a long-overdue raise. #MNUFC has signed Ike Opara to a "multi-year" deal, sources tell @TheAthletic. The new contract would qualify as a TAM deal under current #MLS rules.
— Jeff Rueter (@jeffrueter) October 17, 2019
More: https://t.co/R0BmwpRmo0
Mannone’s future on the other hand is less certain as his 12 month loan to Minnesota from Sky Bet Championship side Reading expires during the offseason. As of now no offer has been made to purchase him from Reading to be able to sign him on a long term deal.
Stay tuned to E Pluribus Loonum for more offseason updates on Minnesota United FC.