Man United have long-standing interest in Johan Manzambi | OneFootball

Manchester United have a longstanding interest in Freiburg midfielder Johan Manzambi, according to journalist Craig Hope.

The Man Utd target has caught the eye at the 2026 World Cup with Switzerland. He has bagged three goals and two assists and is on course for the Young Player of the Tournament award.

Man United are in the market for a new midfielder after missing out on Mateus Fernandes, and the 20-year-old is seemingly on their shortlist.

Manzambi was phenomenal in the Bundesliga last term, bagging five goals and four assists in 27 appearances, displaying his remarkable box-to-box ability.

He spearheaded their journey to the Europa League final, where he stood out against Premier League opposition. He won the Revelation of the Season award.

However, the Red Devils are not alone in the race, with Newcastle United also pushing to sign him.

More clubs will join the race if he keeps up his current momentum on the world stage. He has been described as ‘a real force of nature‘.

Manzambi is not what United need

For all the excitement surrounding Manzambi, there is a sense that he is not quite the profile United need.

He is a progressive, high-energy ball-carrier who thrives driving into the final third, linking play and arriving in the box.

In a well-balanced midfield, he would operate best alongside a deeper controller and a disciplined holding midfielder who can dictate tempo and provide structure behind him.

That is where United’s priorities lie. United require a true controller and a specialist holding midfielder to stabilise their engine room.

Thankfully for them, their main target in that regard is Alex Scott, whose profile fits the technical and positional demands far more closely.

Scott fits the bill, but it remains unclear whether the Red Devils will be able to sign him from Bournemouth.