One Manchester United star has been subject to heavy interest from Italy for a January transfer, but a transfer verdict may have already been reached.
Manchester United could be set for a busy January transfer window, following the sacking of Rúben Amorim. The Portuguese was dismissed as United boss following the 1-1 draw with Leeds United at the start of 2026.
Darren Fletcher has since taken temporary charge of the senior squad – leaving his role as under-18s boss – alongside Jonny Evans and under-21s manager Travis Binnion, although the FA Cup tie against Brighton and Hove Albion could be their last in the dugout.
It seems to be either Michael Carrick or Ole Gunnar Solsjkær who will succeed them, but one seems to have a real chance of the job after fresh reports. Either way, January transfer business remains crucial.
Amorim was desperate for a new midfielder before he was dismissed, and that hole remains in the first team, with even more now created. The new manager will likely switch to a back four, but United are without a natural left-winger in the squad.
United may also be left with too many central defenders – given the switch from three to two in central defence – while there have also been strong links away from Old Trafford for Joshua Zirkzee and Kobbie Mainoo.
Juventus eye Mazraoui after AFCON
Noussair Mazraoui has been away from Old Trafford since the 4-1 win away at Wolverhampton Wanderers due to the African Cup of Nations. Amad and Bryan Mbeumo have also been at the competition, but left after the 4-4 draw with AFC Bournemouth.
Mazraoui’s Morocco recently eliminated Mbeumo’s Cameroon, and Fletcher has now confirmed whether the former Brentford forward will feature against Brighton.
While the return to the back four should suit Mazraoui, he could be looking for an Old Trafford exit after struggling with injuries during the first half of the campaign.
As per Gazzetta dello Sport, Juventus’ “hunt has begun” for Mazraoui’s signature. The former Bayern Munich defender – who joined United alongside Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich – is waiting to learn more about the new project when he returns to Old Trafford before making a decision on his future.
Juventus explored a move in August and are now reigniting their interest, while Mazraoui is considering a move away from United, despite being called “the future” of the club by former manager Amorim.
Zirkzee decision makes Mazraoui future clear
Zirkzee is another first-team player to be heavily linked with a move away from Old Trafford this January, with Roma looking the most likely destination for the former Bologna forward.
However, recent reports have confirmed that United are set to block a transfer for the Dutchman, given the uncertainty around the club following Amorim’s departure.
Mainoo also looks set to stay at the club, although he could see somewhat of a rejuvenation in a midfield three, meaning Mazraoui is also likely to stay until the end of the season at the earliest.
In his first Red Devils campaign, Mazraoui featured 57 times, including 14 appearances in the Europa League. The return to a back four could help the 28-year-old cement himself as first choice, ahead of Diogo Dalot.
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