Manchester United have shown interest in a Bundesliga teenage sensation, as an exit is deemed realistic in the summer.
Manchester United are in absolute contention for a place in the Champions League next season, as they sit third in the Premier League ahead of gameweek 30.
European football would call for major recruitment to improve the squad depth, as the volume of games would significantly increase.
Attention has been primarily directed towards the midfield with the confirmed departure of Casemiro and likely exit of Manuel Ugarte following his underwhelming spell at Old Trafford.
However, with fitness proving to be troublesome for United’s attack in Michael Carrick’s pressing nature, the club has identified a young Bundesliga talent attracting the attention of Europe’s biggest clubs, with a move in the summer already on the cards.
United show interest in El Mala
CaughtOffside reports that Manchester United are one of the main clubs interested in a move for FC Koln teenager Said El Mala. The 19-year-old has had a stellar introduction to the Bundesliga, tallying eight goals and three assists in just over 1200 minutes.
The report describes Man United as “keen” alongside other European clubs such as Chelsea, Man City, Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, and Barcelona.
FC Koln are “realistic” about the future of the young German and would be prepared to accept offers in the region of £43-53 million in the summer.
The report reveals: “They [FC Koln] know there’s little prospect of him staying, and with so much interest they stand to make what they’ll see as a very good sale.”
The interested clubs have a “buzz” about El Mala, with the teenager already showing elite athleticism in Germany’s top flight at such a young age.
Want to stay as up-to-date as possible on the latest Manchester United updates? Add UtdDistrict as a preferred source on Google for news you can rely on.
How El Mala would fit in at United
The 19-year-old forward operates primarily on the left side of the attack, but has demonstrated versatility operating through the middle, potentially providing the ideal variability for United’s attack, who often rotate in game.
Matheus Cunha and Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu have been United’s main options at left wing, despite both players being brought in to play in different roles. El Mala could be a more suitable option for Carrick’s side.
El Mala shines particularly at driving into space with the ball, creating half a yard to allow a shot at goal on either foot. The youngster has brilliant composure and awareness to open angles to produce chances, cutting in on his favoured right foot or driving at a defender and pushing towards the byline.
With Carrick often playing fast, free-flowing counter-attacking football against possession-based teams such as Man City or Arsenal, El Mala has proven his effectiveness by bursting into space and making runs in behind.
United face Aston Villa next in the Premier League, where both teams will be hunting down a Champions League finish. European football could be the perfect opportunity for United to bring in some attacking depth and allow more of United’s forwards to rest.
Make sure to follow UtdDistrict on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to never miss out on any of our Manchester United content. Our podcast, What the Devil?, is streamed live every Thursday at 14:00 pm (GMT) on the United View YouTube channel.