Manchester United are preparing to bounce back from their demoralizing loss to Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday (March 5). Erik ten Hag’s side will take on Real Betis in the first leg of the Europa League round of 16 on Thursday (March 9).
Meanwhile, journalist Ben Jacobs has said that the Red Devils are monitoring a Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder. On the other hand, the Old Trafford team is interested in Adrien Rabiot.
Along those lines, here’s a look at the key Manchester United transfer stories on March 7, 2023:
Manchester United target Alexis Mac Allister
Manchester United are closely following Alexis Mac Allister, according to Ben Jacobs.
The Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder has become a household name after helping Argentina win the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. The 24-year-old has continued his fine form with the Seagulls this season, drawing interest from clubs around the league.
In his column for Caught Offside, Jacobs said the Red Devils and Manchester City have the player on their wish list.
“A slightly cheaper option from Brighton might be Mac Allister. Manchester City and Manchester United have discussed it internally, but nothing more than that at the moment. Liverpool and Chelsea are also worthy of attention. Mac Allister is on contract through 2025 with a one-year extension option,” Jacobs wrote.
added:
“And after he won the World Cup with Argentina, we’re seeing some pretty high numbers flying. Although Brighton do not offer quotes directly to suitors for players they do not plan to sell, experts suggest that £60m or more is what the Seagulls can expect. That’s far more than suitors have valued her since January and before the World Cup, with valuations ranging from £27m to £35m.”
Jacobs pointed out that Mac Allister’s priority is to play regularly in the UEFA Champions League.
“I think that kind of offer would now be laughed at in the room. But as the World Cup hype fades and his contract runs out a bit, let’s see how Brighton react to the incoming offers. Mac Allister, at this point I have been told, will be evaluating his options next summer,” Jacobs wrote.
He continued:
“Although he is enthusiastic about the Premier League, he is not against going to another European league. His priority is to play regular Champions League football.”
Mac Allister has appeared 23 times in competition for Brighton this season, registering eight goals and one assist.
The Red Devils interested in Adrien Rabiot
Manchester United have rekindled their interest in Adrien Rabiot, according to Football Insider.
The French midfielder was heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford last summer. However, the Red Devils opted to sign Casemiro and Christian Eriksen. Rabiot ended up staying at Juventus, but he is expected to leave as a free agent at the end of the season.
Adrien Rabiot with a contract that expires in June: “I want to play in the Champions League, it will be a crucial point to make a decision about my future.” 🇫🇷 #transfers “New deal with Juventus? There are no recent conversations but we have time to do it, there are no news at the moment.” https://t.co/7M5S1yOt5L
The Premier League giants are now preparing to return for the player and will try to sign him in a Bosman move this summer.
However, the 27-year-old is also wanted at Manchester City, who believe he can be an ideal replacement for Ilkay Gundogan. The Frenchman is likely to demand a lot to join a free transfer. He has registered seven goals and two assists in 29 intercompetition games for the Bianconeri this season.
Alan Hutton backs Manchester United to sign Tammy Abraham
Former Tottenham Hotspur full-back Alan Hutton thinks Tammy Abraham would be a good fit at Manchester United. The Red Devils are looking for a new No. 9 and have set their sights on Victor Osimhen and Harry Kane. Abraham has also been linked with a move to Old Trafford recently.
🚨 Manchester United are interested in bringing Tammy Abraham back to the Premier League, but fear Chelsea could trigger their buyback clause. (Source: Daily Mirror) https://t.co/tgnrrfPamg
Speaking to Football Insider, Hutton noted that the AS Roma striker will be a cheaper alternative for Manchester United to consider.
“I really like him. I worked with him at Aston Villa, so I’ve seen him up close and personal. Not only on the pitch, but also off the pitch. On the training ground, he works very hard to improve all the days. He could do very well at a team like Man United, where they need just as much a number nine as he does,” Hutton said.
added:
“He wouldn’t cost as much as Osimhen, and I think Tammy has the right experience to fit in and do well at Old Trafford.”
Abraham has appeared 34 times for Roma this season, racking up seven goals and five assists.