Dundee United will provide the perfect platform for Dylan Levitt to cement his World Cup berth if he returns to Tannadice.
That is the view of ex-Tangerines favourite Craig Easton, who has urged the Welsh wizard to become the creative lynchpin in Jack Ross’ United side.
Levitt, 21, spent last season on loan with the Terrors and cemented himself as a firm fans’ favourite, notching six goals and one assist.
He penned a one-year extension to his contract with Manchester United earlier this summer, while the recent international dates saw the precocious playmaker claim his 12th cap.
United sporting director Tony Asghar has made it clear that Levitt remains a prime transfer target. However, there is thought to be stern competition from the likes of Cardiff City and Derby County.
Easton, who regularly covered United for BBC Sportsound last term, reckons Levitt’s development would be well served by a return north following testing stints with Charlton and Croatian cracks Istra.
“If you find a team where you are comfortable and are given the platform to play your best football, that is a huge draw,” Easton told Courier Sport. “I’m sure that will be in his thoughts.
“I saw it throughout my career: players coming on loan and finding it really difficult. It’s not an easy thing to do. If you can settle in somewhere, enjoy the dressing room and embrace the fans and city, then that’s a major selling point.
“Dylan Levitt did that. You could see from his interviews and relationship with the supporters that Dylan developed a real affinity with United.”
World Cup dream
While determined to thrive at club level, Qatar 2022 also looms large for Levitt.
The Red Devils youngster is a regular in Rob Page’s Wales set-up and knows his next career move must be pitch-perfect to ensure he seals his spot on the plane to the Middle-East.
“He’ll be asking himself that question: where will I play the most football in a World Cup year?” continued Easton, who made 259 appearances for United.
“But it’s not just about the World Cup. Even considering his overall development, at his age Dylan needs to be playing first-team football.
“If he goes to a team in the English Championship, is that guaranteed?
“Listen, nothing is guaranteed in football — but he knows the lay of the land at Dundee United. He knows he can play at a high level in the Scottish Premiership. That’s been enough to earn a place in the Wales squad.
“Going somewhere else is a leap into the unknown.
“European qualification might be a big draw for Dylan too. Although he has played for Wales, club European football — however many games it may be — is another experience. That’s what loan spells are all about.
“In the run up to a World Cup, Dundee United just feels like the right fit if he wants to achieve that goal.”
A back-up plan
Easton, however, is not blind to the realities of the transfer market.
WHAT A GOAL!! DUNDEE UTD ARE LEVEL! 1-1!! ⚽#MUFC loanee Dylan Levitt scores a WORLDIE! ⚡
It couldn't…could it? 👀🏆 pic.twitter.com/jcXvd0yVnu
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) May 11, 2022
If it comes down to raw finances, or the perception of competitiveness, then sides in the English Championship are likely to possess the winning hand.
Easton added: “It could come down to what Manchester United are thinking. Clubs at that level have development pathways. Maybe they see his next step as the English Championship.
“Do they say: he’s done Scotland, now let’s see if he can play at this level? Let’s be honest, the Championship is a more competitive league.
“It’s not just about United and Dylan. United will need to have their contingencies.”
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