MANCHESTER UNITED WILL HAVE TO PAY MORE FOR HAT-TRICK HERO THIAGO ALCANTARA

ABOVE: Manchester United will have to shell out more cash on Thiago

The most important thing is that we showed the world how we play, with our tiki-taka

Thiago

19th June 2013

By Neil Martin

MANCHESTER UNITED may have to pay a few more million for Thiago Alcantara after his hat-trick powered Spain to the Under-21 European Championship title.

The Barcelona starlet, 22, helped destroy Italy in last night's final in Jerusalem.
And attacking midfielder Thiago is now likely to cost United at least £20m as new boss David Moyes attempts to build his own team at Old Trafford.
"I don't think I have scored a hat-trick since I was a child," the Spaniard said.
"So it was a surprise. But the most important thing is that we showed the world how we play, with our tiki-taka."
United defender Rio Ferdinand was certainly impressed as he tweeted: "Thiago wants the ball under pressure, he demands it anywhere. We need to produce that kind of mentality in our kids."
Spain were simply awesome as they dismantled the Italians in much the same way their senior side did in the Euro 2012 final.
Thiago, born in southern Italy, headed in the opening goal after just six minutes as he was left totally unmarked to convert Alvaro Morata's cross.
But Spain then conceded their first goal in the whole tournament when Ciro Immobile superbly controlled a long ball forward before expertly lofting the ball over David De Gea.

Thiago had his second on the half-hour mark when he chested down inside the penalty area before blasting a shot through Italian goalkeeper Francesco Bardi.
And he completed his hat-trick on 38 minutes by slotting home a penalty after Giulio Donati had been harshly adjudged to have fouled Cristian Tello.
Spain moved even further ahead midway through the second half with another penalty, this time much more clear-cut as Vasco Regini hacked down Marvin Montoya.
Manchester City target Isco, named most valuable player of the tournament, stepped up this time and sent Bardi the wrong way.
Italy threatened a late fightback when Liverpool striker Fabio Borini drilled in from 20 yards after 79 minutes following a neat one-two.
But Spain held on to retain the Under-21 trophy they won two years ago to keep alongside their senior world and European titles.