Two new clubs have entered the race for a “Bundesliga sensation” along with Manchester United and two Premier League clubs.
Manchester United’s transfer plans for the January window are yet to be decided. Reports have indicated that a meeting will take place next week with Michael Carrick, where the recruitment staff will ask the former England international if additional reinforcement is needed to push for the Champions League spots at the end of the season.
Earlier in the window, it appeared Antoine Semenyo was the top target for then Rúben Amorim’s side, but the former Bournemouth winger chose blue over red. United would’ve been disappointed to miss out, but they quickly took revenge on Derby Day, with the most replayed moment being Kobbie Mainoo’s delightful turn past Semenyo in the first half.
Signing Semenyo under Amorim would’ve been an interesting decision. The Ghanian would’ve been forced to left-wing-back, despite being one of the most dangerous attacking players in the Premier League this season, but he would’ve been brilliant for the new formation.
In Carrick’s 4-2-3-1, Semenyo would start as the left winger ahead of Patrick Dorgu. While Dorgu has been improving in recent weeks, Semenyo’s attacking nature would’ve added a new level of threat to United’s frontline.
With United missing out on Semenyo, attention must turn to a different left-wing target. Perhaps Jason Wilcox will go back to the “Bundesliga sensation” he was “keeping tabs” on during the first half of the season.
Roma and Dortmund enter United race
During the first half of 2025/26, United were frequently linked with FC Koln’s Said El Mala. The 2005-born wide player has scored seven goals and registered three assists this season.
As per Nicolò Schira on X has reported that AS Roma and Borussia Dortmund have entered the race for El Mala, while United will still be scouting the 19-year-old.
Chelsea and Liverpool have also been linked with El Mala, but his current contract doesn’t expire until the summer of 2030, so it could be a high fee for the German.
While Carrick is in temporary charge, United are unlikely to spend big money on transfer targets, but El Mala could be a possible deal in the summer window, if Dortmund or Roma haven’t pounced by then.
Who could fund El Mala deal?
It seems unlikely that United will let many players leave this window, after reportedly cancelling Joshua Zirkzee’s move to Roma earlier in the month, but some stars may need to leave before new ones can be brought in.
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While Zirkzee’s first transfer was blocked, he will be at the top of the list of potential departures, especially if Bryan Mbeumo is to become a centre-forward – forcing Zirkzee down the pecking order to third choice.
Tyrell Malacia could be one of the few allowed to leave this month. The Netherlands international has been named on the bench this season, but rarely gets on. With Diego Leon still at the club, Malacia could be let go sooner rather than later.
The final name could be Mason Mount. He appeared to be close to a regular role under Amorim, but the change of formation has left him without a natural spot. As a No.10, he will be lucky to get a sniff with Bruno Fernandes, with the same story on the left wing thanks to Matheus Cunha and Patrick Dorgu.
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