Minnesota United: Analyzing latest news and notes

Here is an update and analysis on some of the things that have happened this week involving Minnesota United, including an injury and an intriguing roster spot designation.

There has been lots happening with Minnesota United over the past week.

Here, I want to summarize all of the latest news and notes regarding the Loons, and provide some analysis on each development also.

Manley sent out on loan

More from MLS Multiplex

• Javier Milei Elected in Argentina: Potential Impacts on MLS and Signings of Argentine Players
• Orlando City and New York City FC in the Battle for Matías Arezo; Grêmio Enters Negotiations! Who Will Come Out on Top?
• USA, Honduras, Panama, and Canada Close in on a Spot in the 2024 Copa America
• De Gea Turns Down Al-Nassr’s Lucrative Offer: Speculation Points to Possible Reunion with Messi at Inter Miami
• Messi’s Magnetic Impact in the United States

Earlier in the week, the Loons sent rookie full back Carter Manley on loan to USL side Las Vegas Lights FC. Pushed down the depth chart by the return of Eric Miller, this loan will be a good opportunity for Manley to get some much-needed minutes at a level where he should be able to excel and grow as a player. But what does this loan move mean for Minnesota United?

Well, Minnesota United’s front office has made it clear in the past that they would only send a player on loan if they knew they had adequate depth at that player’s position, and right now, the club doesn’t have much full back depth. The full backs currently available are Eric Miller, an out of position Alexi Gomez, and the oft-injured and ageing Marc Burch and Tyrone Mears. Does this mean that Swiss full back Jerome Thiesson is close to making a return from injury? It could be a good sign.

Maximiano injured

On loan Brazilian midfielder Maximiano left training this week with an injury to the same knee that suffered a torn ACL injury just over a year ago. Maximiano struggled early on in his time in Minnesota, but the 22-year-old has been improving with every appearance recently, so this is a tough break for both player and club.

If the knee injury is severe enough, the club may have no choice but to cut Maximiano’s loan short and send him back to Fluminense. Though Minnesota United have been searching for a through-and-through number six, the club was surely hoping that Maximiano could continue to improve and give them a solid option at a position of need. It will be interesting to see how severe the injury is, and whether or not the Loons take a chance on Maximiano’s potential or if they send him back to Brazil.

International Spot acquired from Colorado

In another piece of news this week, the Loons acquired an international roster spot from the Colorado Rapids in exchange for $50k in General Allocation Money. The Rapids reportedly gave the Loons a bit of a discount on the spot due to Minnesota paying a portion of Sam Nicholson’s salary this season. This international designation clears up a spot for Angelo Rodriguez, potentially making a way for the Colombian to make his debut this weekend.

The club knew that they needed an international spot for Rodriguez, but the fact that the front office went out paid for one, rather than loaning one of their Cameroonian signings could mean that any additions the Loons make, if any, over the rest of the transfer window could be a domestic player. Of course, Minnesota United could still loan a Cameroonian and then sign an international, but it’s strange that they didn’t do it to begin with, if that was their intention all along.

Could this mean that both of the Cameroonians are in the clubs’ plans for the near future? We’ll find out on Wednesday when the window closes, but it certainly seems plausible