Argentina Star Changes Agent to Clinch Manchester United Move - Report

Benfica defender and Manchester United target Ezequiel Garay has reportedly signed with Portuguese agent Jorge Mendes in order to facilitate a move to Old Trafford. Mendes was responsible for the transfers of Cristiano Ronaldo, Nani and Anderson to United and enjoys a strong relationship with the Red Devils' chiefs.

Garay ended the deal with his former agent two months ago, according to the Daily Mirror, and has now chosen Mendes to represent him. The report claims the Argentine is keen to seal a switch to United and identifies Mendes as key to realising that goal.

The defender has been a long-time target for United. Recent reports claim Sir Alex Ferguson's brother, Martin Ferguson, scouted the 26-year-old last weekend and the Red Devils have already contacted Benfica regarding the player's availability, as they line up a summer approach.

Garay joined Benfica from Real Madrid in 2011, as part of a player-plus-cash deal that saw Fabio Coentrao moving in the other direction. The Argentina international is valued at approximately £26m and Marca believe Madrid remain eligible for 50 percent of any transfer fee Benfica receive from his sale.

SAF: United Have to Move on

Meanwhile, Ferguson has urged United to move on from Nani's controversial dismissal during the second leg of a Champions League knock-out tie against Madrid last midweek.

The Portugal international was shown a straight red by Turkish referee Cuneyt Cakir early in the second half, for a high challenge on Alvaro Arbeloa while United were leading 1-0 on the night and 2-1 on aggregate. The decision had a massive impact on the game and Madrid went on to win the game 2-1 (3-2 on aggregate) and clinch a place in the last eight of the competition.

"It's not easy to take, but when you analyse it the cold light of day, you then realise, that for Manchester United, we just have to get on with it. Nothing can be done about it now. It was just another day in the history of our club. Not a good day, but another day," Ferguson said.

"My job now is to galvanise the troops, who were fantastic on Tuesday, and we owe the fans a really good performance [in the FA Cup quarter finals against Chelsea] on Sunday. We will get back up off our backsides and make sure we are ready for Sunday," the Scot added.