Man Utd steps in as eight clubs compete to sign Liverpool’s ‘phenomenal’ player
Manchester United might swoop in to steal one of Liverpool’s top targets with nearly two weeks left before the transfer window closes.
So far, United’s summer signings have been quiet, bringing in just three new players as they prepare for their Champions League return. They’ve added midfielders Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans from Chelsea and Aston Villa, and goalkeeper Karl Darlow joined on a free from Leeds United.
Michael Carrick has said he wants to bring in more quality players, especially a new left-back and a third central midfielder, before the deadline hits. With Marcus Rashford’s future at Old Trafford uncertain, there’s also a chance United could sign another left-side attacker before September 1.
Reports say Rashford wants to leave after a successful loan at Barcelona last season, where he was involved in 28 goals. But for now, he seems ready to fight for a spot on the left alongside Matheus Cunha and Patrick Dorgu. Rashford made his first appearance since December 2024 on Saturday, coming on as a substitute in their 4-2 loss to AC Milan. He’ll likely play again when United start their Premier League season against Hull City.
If United can offload Rashford’s £350,000-a-week wages this summer, they might already have a replacement in mind. Earlier this week, rumors surfaced that United asked about Paris Saint-Germain winger Ibrahim Mbaye, who Liverpool have also been eyeing.
Liverpool want to sign both Mbaye and Bradley Barcola, but their combined price—around €200 million (£171m)—is too high for the club. Mbaye is keen to leave PSG for more regular playing time, especially with tough competition after Ferran Torres joined from Barcelona.
Spanish paper AS says eight clubs are interested in Mbaye, including Bayern Munich, Porto, Leipzig, Leverkusen, Dortmund, Roma, Aston Villa, Liverpool, and Manchester United.
Mbaye is seen as one of Europe’s brightest young wingers. Former Senegal coach Pape Thiaw called him a “phenomenon” after he burst onto the scene with PSG. Last season, the quick 18-year-old made 28 appearances for PSG, scoring four goals, and would likely cost over €50 million (£42.7m).
Mbaye wants to join a Champions League club, making Liverpool and United top options for him to keep growing. United’s interest could shake up Liverpool’s plans and lead to an exciting battle between eight clubs to sign this promising talent.