Hamadi's Manchester United Move Would Delight Kozmin
Sara KhaledUAE National Team Eyes European Talent as World Cup Dreams Take Shape
UAE national football coach Olario Cosmin has expressed strong support for Emirati players pursuing European careers, particularly goalkeeper Abdullah Al Hammadi's potential move to Manchester United. With crucial World Cup qualifying matches against Oman and Qatar looming in October, the Romanian coach sees overseas experience as vital for elevating the national team's talent pool and achieving their 2026 World Cup ambitions.
Manchester United Interest Signals Growing UAE Football Profile
The potential signing of Abdullah Al Hammadi by Manchester United represents more than just an individual achievement—it marks a significant milestone for UAE football on the global stage. According to British outlet Manchester Evening News, the young Emirati goalkeeper impressed during trials at United's Carrington training facility.
"This deal, if successful, would be something special and very exciting, because any Emirati player who goes professional in Europe will increase the number of distinguished players in the UAE," Cosmin told reporters. The coach confirmed that any player willing to represent the national team would be considered for selection, regardless of where they play their club football.
European Exodus Gathering Momentum
Al Hammadi's potential move follows Mohammed Awad Allah's recent transfer to the Polish league, a development Cosmin described as "positive." This trend mirrors successful strategies employed by other Gulf nations, particularly Qatar's investment in overseas development programs ahead of their 2022 World Cup hosting duties.
The timing couldn't be more critical. With the UAE facing make-or-break World Cup qualifying playoffs in October, Cosmin emphasized to his players that the upcoming month "is the most important of their lives" and requires complete unity to achieve qualification for the 2026 tournament.
Tactical Challenges and Squad Building
Despite a 1-0 victory over Bahrain in a recent friendly, Cosmin acknowledged significant gaps in his squad, particularly the absence of a natural striker. The coach has been experimenting with multiple attacking options, including Alvaro, Caio Canedo, and Mohammed Awad Allah, especially with Caio Lucas sidelined through injury.
"I'm trying to compensate for the absence of a natural striker through different options and various tactical tricks," Cosmin explained. "I'm seeking to find the player who can play in this position."
Missing Pieces of the Puzzle
Key absences including Yahya Nader and Majed Hassan have forced Cosmin to give opportunities to fringe players as he finalizes his World Cup qualifying squad. The coach revealed he already has his starting lineup "in mind" for the crucial October matches, despite ongoing experimentation.
The friendly against Bahrain exposed both strengths and weaknesses. While pleased with growing team chemistry, Cosmin expressed frustration with his players' tendency to retreat defensively after taking the lead—a concerning habit that could prove costly against stronger opposition.
World Cup Ambitions Within Reach
The UAE's World Cup qualifying campaign represents their best opportunity in years to reach football's premier tournament. Cosmin's emphasis on player development abroad aligns with successful models from countries like Japan and South Korea, who have long prioritized overseas experience for their national team players.
"My message to everyone is that we must unite together to achieve the goal of qualifying for the World Cup," Cosmin declared, acknowledging that the team would be "stronger" once missing players return to full fitness.
With European interest in Emirati talent growing and crucial qualifying matches approaching, the UAE finds itself at a potential turning point. The success of players like Al Hammadi abroad could inspire a new generation while providing Cosmin with the quality depth needed to compete at the highest level. For UAE football, October 2024 may well determine whether this golden generation can finally deliver World Cup qualification.
