How did Man United target Lassine Sinayoko fare at AFCON? | OneFootball

Manchester United have been linked with Malian striker Lassine Sinayoko, who has impressed at the Africa Cup of Nations this winter. The striker netted three goals during the tournament, before Mali’s quarter-final exit against Senegal.

Although Mali have reached the end of the road in Morocco, Sinayoko has made a name for himself, scoring all his nation’s goals and attracting attention from the Premier League. 

Sinayoko’s current deal with French side Auxerre expires in June 2026, and United have reportedly entered advanced negotiations with him. The Red Devils are looking to secure a pre-contract agreement during the January transfer window, according to Africafoot.

So, how did the 26-year-old play in his AFCON exit? The Mali man was brought down in the 18-yard box by Kalidou Koulibaly, who was lucky to not concede a penalty in the early stages of the last eight clash. He created a decent opportunity for teammate Lassana Coulibaly just after the break but was substituted for El Bilal Toure in the 82nd minute.

Overall though, it was a quiet game for Sinayoko and Mali, largely thanks to the dismissal of their captain, Yves Bissouma, in the first half. Senegal came out 1-0 victors after Iliman Ndiaye capitalised on goalkeeper Djigui Diarra’s error.

Mali experienced a similar situation in their round of 16 clash against Tunisia when Woyo Coulibaly was sent off in the 26th minute. In that match, Sinayoko netted a last-gasp equaliser from 12 yards to take the tie into extra time, before scoring his other penalty in the shootout, which ended 3-2 to Mali.

That late leveller was Sinayoko’s second penalty goal of the tournament, with his only goal from open play coming in the 1-1 draw against Zambia.

Whilst Sinayoko may not be the most eye-catching transfer rumour of the window, he would be a shrewd appointment for United, who can not splash the cash on a striker as they did last summer with Benjamin Sesko.

The Bakamo-born player has scored six goals and provided two assists in 16 Ligue 1 matches this season. Not only is Sinayoko a real threat in front of goal, but he is also able to play anywhere across the front line. He also provides plenty of creativity going forward, recording 26 key passes in all competitions this season.

Sinayoko could return to domestic action next week when 17th-placed Auxerre face Ligue 1 leaders Lens.