Report: £26m Premier League star is ‘ready to join’ Man United | OneFootball

Transfer Ambitions Surrounding Daniel Munoz

Crystal Palace right-back Daniel Munoz has sparked fresh transfer debate after openly declaring that it would be “a dream” to represent Manchester United or Real Madrid. His comments, shared during international duty with AS Colombia, arrive at a time when interest from elite clubs continues to build. As he put it, “I strive every day to one day attract the attention of one of these clubs, because it’s a dream of mine to get there.”

Munoz has built a strong Premier League reputation since arriving from Genk in January 2024 and TeamTalk note that a move to Old Trafford or the Bernabeu remains unlikely at this stage. Even so, his trajectory suggests he will not be short of admirers.

Rising Profile at Crystal Palace

Palace chairman Steve Parish praised his “ability, athleticism and tenacity” upon arrival and those qualities have translated into consistent output. Eight goals and fourteen assists in eighty one appearances underline how effectively he operates as a right-back or right wing-back. His contract, extended until 2028, places Palace in a strong negotiating position with reports suggesting the Eagles will demand at least £26.4m.

Photo IMAGO

TeamTalk highlight Barcelona, Chelsea and Manchester City as clubs monitoring him. Munoz, however, has made no attempt to hide his long term ambition, saying, “Right now, I’m focused on my club, on doing things well at Crystal Palace. We’ll see when the winter transfer window gets closer.”

Obstacles to United or Madrid Move

The presence of Trent Alexander Arnold at Real Madrid, along with established senior options Dani Carvajal and Federico Valverde, creates a crowded pathway. TeamTalk also reference Fabrizio Romano, who says Madrid remain confident that Alexander Arnold will adapt despite a slow start.

At Manchester United, the situation is similar. Amad Diallo has impressed as a right wing-back under Ruben Amorim and the club can also call upon Noussair Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot. Although United are reportedly exploring that area of the pitch, spending significantly on a twenty nine year old does not fit their recent youth focused policy.

January Window Questions

Munoz insists there is “no concrete information” regarding interest, but his ambition is unmistakable. For now, he remains a key part of a Palace side that won the FA Cup last season and continue to evolve under a stable structure. Interest will likely grow, yet immediate movement appears improbable.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From the perspective of a Manchester United supporter, this story lands in a familiar place. United need clarity on the right side and fans have watched the position fluctuate for years. Dalot has improved, Mazraoui has experience, and Amad Diallo has adapted well, yet none feel permanently established. Hearing that the club are assessing specialist options is reassuring, even if Munoz may not be the chosen route.

Munoz looks like the kind of player who could offer consistency, energy and Premier League readiness. His numbers with Palace show end product and his ability to operate high up the pitch would suit Amorim’s aggressive structure. The issue is timing and age. Twenty nine feels slightly off profile for the long term squad building strategy that INEOS have spoken about repeatedly.

There is also the question of value. Palace are tough negotiators and a fee over £26m for someone approaching thirty is difficult to justify when younger, developmental targets exist elsewhere. From a fan stance, Munoz would be a welcome addition if priced sensibly, but not at the expense of the broader rebuild.

His desire to join the club is flattering and says plenty about United’s enduring pull. Still, unless circumstances shift, this feels more like a respectful compliment to the badge rather than a move that will materialise in January.