United’s pursuit of ‘complete’ forward not dependent on outgoings, says trusted journo

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·8. Januar 2025

United’s pursuit of ‘complete’ forward not dependent on outgoings, says trusted journo

Manchester United retain their longstanding interest in Randal Kolo Muani and could look to finally get a deal over the line this month.

Indeed, the Red Devils are among a host of clubs sizing up a mid-season swoop for the struggling Paris Saint-Germain frontman, who has fallen entirely out of favour under Luis Enrique.

OneFootball Videos

#MUFC efforts to recruit a striker this month not necessarily dependent on a forward departing. #PSG’s Randal Kolo Muani one of options being explored. Rashford rep in Italy y’day to see AC Milan. Zirkzee linked with Juve but keen to fight for Utd place
– Mittwoch, 8. Januar 2025

Muani is yet to replicate the prolific form he displayed at Eintracht Frankfurt, which made him one of the most sought-after forwards on the market in 2023. That September, PSG paid an upfront fee of £64.2 million while pledging a further £12.2m in add-ons to prise him from the reluctant Bundesliga club after he refused to train in order to force his desired transfer.

Little did he know, he’d have been much better off staying put. Muani made just 13 Ligue 1 starts in his maiden campaign in France and another 13 appearances off the bench. He returned only six goals.

He’s fallen further in the pecking order since 2024/2025 got underway, too, making only two starts in the league and zero in the Champions League, while being omitted from Trophee des Champions and Coupe de France fixtures entirely.

United ready to offer Muani exit route from PSG struggles

(Photo by Franco Arland/Getty Images)

Alas, it’s safe to say that the French giants are paving the way for the 26-year-old’s exit, and there are numerous clubs lining up to take him on board; United, Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa and Juventus have all established their interest in recent days, with a loan mooted as the most likely resolution at this stage of the term.

Muani, hailed as a ‘complete’ striker by his compatriot Kylian Mbappe, has earned 27 caps for France since his 2022 debut.

United’s search for attacking depth comes amid uncertainty over Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee’s futures at Old Trafford; the former’s agent flew to Italy on Tuesday to hold talks with AC Milan, and the latter is believed to be a prime target for Juventus.