Man United transfer news recap as 'talks opened' to sign centre-back (2024)

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United 'open talks' for Yoro

United have 'opened talks' with Lille about the possibility of signing highly-rated centre-back Leny Yoro.

That is according to a report by Le10Sport, which claims United, who face Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Sunday, want to use Sir Jim Ratcliffe's 'connections' with Ligue 1 to try and get a deal done. Ratcliffe owns French outfit OGC Nice.

OPINION: Mainoo and Garnacho have set United standards after policy change

"Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho have now made such a case for themselves that even when everyone is fully fit and available, they both deserve to be playing on a weekly basis. There will no doubt be struggles along the way, but they have already shown enough to suggest they are worth sticking by when they come, just as Erik ten Hag has remained faithful to a number of senior stars. In the process, they have also set the standards for any future young hopeful. Ten Hag has made it clear that young players not up to his very high standards won't be given an opportunity, and only world-class prospects will be given a proper chance under him."

Click here to read more from United writer Richard Fay.

Spurs confirm Werner signing ahead of United clash

Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed the signing of Timo Werner ahead of Sunday's clash with United at Old Trafford.

The German striker, who has joined the club on loan for the remainder of the season, has returned to England after leaving Chelsea in 2022. He had been linked with a move to United ahead of news his move to Spurs came to fruition.

OPINION: Rashford is dividing opinion among fans

"Marcus Rashford enjoyed the finest year of his career last term, scoring 30 goals, and he was deservedly rewarded with a lucrative new contract, but six months later his card seems marked by a section of fans. It's not a good look for any player to regress after signing a new deal and Rashford's form has fallen off a cliff again, which shouldn't be a surprise because he's struggled to produce consistency throughout his career. Unfortunately, a sudden loss of form is nothing new for Rashford and it's why he's failed to bridge the gap to becoming a world-class talent. Rashford seems to have an excellent season followed by a disappointing campaign and he's now splitting opinion among supporters, who are wondering whether it might be best for him to leave the club."

Click here to read more from United writer Steven Railston.

United in 'advanced negotiations' to sign defender

United are in 'advanced negotiations' to try and sign Atalanta centre-back Giorgio Scalvini, according to a report by French news outlet Les Bons Conceil Du Sports.

United are poised to try and bring in a centre-back at some stage in 2024 amid uncertainty about the futures of Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans.

OPINION: I can't believe United let this academy graduate leave on a free transfer

"Though Di'Shon Bernard, at the age of 23, still has a lot of learning and developing to do, he is climbing the rungs on his career ladder sharply. He has benefited from finding a permanent home after loan spells at Portsmouth, Hull and Salford City. It is, as a caveat, only fair to point out that Bernard was never likely to make the grade at Old Trafford as a first-team regular, but it does raise questions about United's decision to let him go for free. United's handling of player exits has been called into question countless times in recent years, particularly for how they have allowed developing talent to walk away either for nothing or a minimal transfer fee."

Click here to read more from Senior Football Writer, George Smith.

United tracking young goalkeeper

United are tracking Queen's Park goalkeeper Callan McKenna, the Manchester Evening News understands.

The Reds are tracking the progress of the 17-year-old, who has made nine appearances for the Scottish outfit so far this season. Talks are currently ongoing, but nothing has been agreed between the player and the club as things stand.

United 'eyeing' loan to buy deal for Malen

According to a report by FootballTransfers, United are 'eyeing' a potential loan deal, featuring the option to buy, for Borussia Dortmund forward Donyell Malen.

The Dutch forward has been linked with a move to Old Trafford in the last few weeks amid United's plans to add to their attacking ranks this month.

The report states that 'discussions have been intense' at Old Trafford about the possibility of signing the former PSV Eindhoven man.

United set target date for injured players to return

United are hoping to have several currently injured players back in time for their FA Cup fourth round clash with Newport County or Eastleigh later this month.

United booked their place in the next round of the competition with a routine 2-0 win over Wigan Athletic last night. Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes each got themselves on the scoresheet to seal the Reds' passage to the fourth round.

United are hopeful that the likes of Lisandro Martinez Mason Mount and Casemiro will be available in time for the next round. The contest will be played over the final weekend in January.

Click here to read more.

The clubs tipped to target Raphael Varane

Raphael Varane has returned to the United side in recent games despite one or two question marks over his future. Here are a few clubs Bet365 are tipping to come calling for the World Cup winner during the January transfer window;

To stay at United - 1/4

Real Madrid - 8/1

Bayern Munich - 10/1

Any Saudi Arabian team - 10/1

Juventus - 20/1

*Odds were correct at 15:00 on January 9. Subject to change.

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Next six Premier League matches for United

Tottenham are next up for United before their pre-arranged winter break.

Here are their next six Premier League fixtures to note down in your diary;

Sunday, January 14 vs Tottenham (H) at 4.30pm

Thursday, February 1 vs Wolves (A) at 8.15pm

Sunday, February 4 vs West Ham (H) at 2pm

Sunday, February 11 vs Aston Villa (A) at 4.30pm

Sunday, February 18 vs Luton Town (A) at 4.30pm

Saturday, February 24 vs Fulham (H) at 3pm

Paul Scholes takes aim at Jesse Lingard

Paul Scholes has taken aim at Jesse Lingard for his gym work in a now-deleted post on social media. Lingard remains without a team after leaving Nottingham Forest this summer. The free agent spent over 20 years with United man and boy as he totted-up 232 appearances for the Old Trafford giants in all competitions.

Share your thoughts on the January window

United are expecting a relatively quiet January transfer window - due to lingering caution over FFP - despite investment from Sir Jim Ratcliffe being confirmed. INEOS will still have a huge say on decisions and you can share your thoughts on what should happen below;

Pellistri attracting PSV interest

The MEN revealed Pellistri is attracting loan interest last week.

PSV and LA Galaxy are now said to be interested.

United 'looking at' Jonathan David deal

United are looking at a possible deal to sign Jonathan David this month.

FootballTransfers claim that the Lille striker is of interest to both United and Aston Villa and a deal could materialise during the January transfer window.

It is suggested that David could be available for £34 million.

United 'closing in' on a deal to sign keeper Callan McKenna

United are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign Queen's Park keeper Callan McKenna.

The Daily Record says United are in advanced talks to seal a six-figure deal for the 17-year-old and that the proposed move is loaded with add-ons and could see Queen’s net more than seven figures if they are triggered.

McKenna has already made seven first-team appearances for the Spiders this season before he was sidelined by injury.

Fenerbahce 'to hold meeting' with Anthony Martial this week

Fenerbahçe will reportedly hold a meeting with Anthony Martial this week over a possible January move.

Fenerbahçe Habers on X, suggest that if the Frenchman agrees personal terms over a move, a deal will be closed 'easily' due to the good relationship between the two clubs.

Martial Fenerbahçe’ye gelmeyi kabul ettiği taktirde, Fenerbahçe detaylı sağlık taraması yapacak oyuncuya.

— Fenerbahçe Habers (@fener_habers) January 9, 2024

United weighing up possible loan departures

Manchester United are weighing up potential loan departures in the final weeks of the January transfer window.

There is widespread interest in winger Facundo Pellsitri, Sevilla and Everton have contacted the club about forward Hannibal Mejbri and midfielder Dan Gore could be allowed to head out on loan.

A loan for academy striker Joe Hugill is being finalised which will also include a new contract for the 20-year-old. Hugill was named on the bench for United's FA Cup third round win against Wigan Athletic.

Forson reacts to making senior debut

Omari Forson says it was "an honour" to make his Manchester United debut in last night's FA Cup clash with Wigan.

The attacker, part of Erik ten Hag's main pre-season squad, came on for a short cameo appearance in stoppage time.

"I've been working toward this moment for a long time now, so really happy to finally get my minutes," a delighted Forson said.

OPINION: United have another ruthless transfer call to make

There was some disbelief when United sold Zidane Iqbal last summer. He was arguably the most exciting youngster at the club and looked to be the perfect fit for Erik ten Hag's style of play.

Yet he never got that chance. Iqbal looked like a promising midfielder during the slower pace of pre-season games, but after a year with the first team, it was decided he wasn't ready physically for the challenge of the Premier League.

United included a buyback clause in the deal that saw him move to FC Utrecht for €1 million, as well as a sell-on clause that entitles them to 40% of his next transfer fee. He has since played just 154 minutes of football after an injury-ridden start to life at his new club.

Iqbal's tale is an interesting case study and a reminder of the cutthroat nature of youth team football.

Keane critiques Rashford

Roy Keane has demanded more from Marcus Rashford going forward after a lukewarm display against Wigan.

The attacker was invovled in many attacking phases but failed to build on his three-goal haul for the season, leaving Keane frustrated.

While on punditry duty for ITV, Keane said of Rashford:

"I just wanted a bit more [today]. I have high expectations of Rashford - I always want a bit more. He's played a game here, getting shots away.

"He's got I think one or two bad habits, where he's stopping the ball and trying the flicks at the wrong time. I don't think he runs in behind enough.

"I think we were getting frustrated watching him, I think United fans were frustrated watching him.

"United were playing against a League One side here, and I think Marcus must walk off the pitch thinking, 'For all these opportunities, I should be scoring, or certainly providing more assists'."

Three players could return vs Spurs

Luke Shaw and two other players who missed the FA Cup clash with Wigan could return against Tottenham in the Premier League this weekend.

Shaw has missed the last three games with a minor issue, having been sidelined for a number of weeks near the start of the campaign.

He is nearing a return, as is Harry Maguire who has not played since early December due to a groin injury.

Erik ten Hag makes loan transfer admission

With United not due to spend much on transfers this month, Erik ten Hag has admitted he may utilise the loan market.

"We consider everything," he said after full-time against Wigan when asked about loan recruits this month.

"So what are the best interests of the players and also the best interests for us, the team, for Manchester United. So we'll see how we progress during the window."

ANALYSIS: Brailsford and Blanc saw two big positives in FA Cup win

Manchester United cruised into the fourth round of the FA Cup with a 2-0 win at Wigan Athletic in a game they dominated at the DW Stadium.

The most frustrating element for Ten Hag might be the number of good opportunities that went beginning but the win sees them book a meeting with Eastleigh or Newport County in round four and set up the possibility of another cup run under Ten Hag.

It was also a night when 12 of the 21-man squad he picked had come through the club's academy.

Why Amad, Antony and Eriksen missed Wigan clash

Amad and Christian Eriksen were ruled out of Manchester United's FA Cup tie against Wigan through illness while Antony is also absent due to injury.

Amad only made his comeback from a long-term knee injury in the 2-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest while Eriksen returned from his own knee setback last month.

United had 12 players unavailable for selection against Wigan with Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez, Tyrell Malacia, Harry Maguire and Mason Mount among those yet to return from injury.

Dalot praises Ratcliffe influence after Wigan win

Diogo Dalot believes Sir Jim Ratcliffe has brought 'good and new energy' to Manchester United since agreeing a deal to invest in the club.

He said:

"He brings some good energy, new energy, hopefully with positive feelings. New things to conquer, looking forward to the future with a good energy and they are bringing that.

"You can feel in Carrington already the motivation they've brought in and hopefully we can win a lot of things together."

Bayindir questions to be asked

Andre Onana started the win over Wigan yesterday, meaning he is yet to miss a single minute of action for United this season.

It also means fellow summer recruit Altay Bayindir is yet to make his debut ahead of Onana's AFCON exit. The Turk will be in net when Erik ten Hag's first-choice 'keeper is away on interntional duty.

However, there remains questions over the manager's trust of Bayindir, especially given he has managed to hold off Onana's exit by a week. The 25-year-old Turkey international will be expected to perform from the off when he does come in.

PSV and LA Galaxy 'in for' Pellistri

PSV Eindhoven have confirmed their interest in Facundo Pellistri but will face competition for his signature from US franchise LA Galaxy, according to the Daily Mail.

The winger came on for his 14th appearance of the season against Wigan last night, although hasn't started a match since September.

Pellistri is attracting loan interest but the Mail says United are willing to sell him. PSV intend to enter negotiations soon while LA Galaxy are also set to come to the table.

Rate the players

United reached the FA Cup fourth round last night, beating Wigan Athletic 2-0 at the DW Stadium, but who was your Man of the Match? You can submit your own player ratings via our special player rater widget below.