Heading into this transfer window, Manchester United had two main objectives: bringing in new players who could elevate the squad and remove those who Ruben Amorim deemed surplus to requirements.
The club has had mixed success with this. In terms of incomings, they filled target positions with the high-profile signings of Slovenian striker Benjamin Sesko and Premier League-proven duo Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. In terms of outgoings, the club hasn’t been quite as successful.
Excluding players whose contracts have expired, the only major departure has been Marcus Rashford to Barcelona, but that is only a loan deal with an option to buy. United may face a repeat of the situation they had with the Jadon Sancho to Chelsea loan deal, where they had hoped he would join the London club permanently, but he ended up back at Old Trafford at the season’s end.
While there is still time left in the transfer window, the club are attempting to move on several more players, and they are currently engaging in negotiations with one club to sign two United players.
Roma want Malacia Sancho double deal
After previously having difficulty finding suitors for him, Manchester United are now receiving concrete interest for Tyrell Malacia. United spent £12.9 million on Malacia in 2022, and since then, he has been forced to miss 500 days and 70 of United’s matches through injury.
When Malacia was first available for Amorim after his injury, the manager expressed that he was “really happy with him”, but all parties now appear to want to part ways.
Fabrizio Romano has reported that during AS Roma’s talks with United about signing Sancho, they have now also inquired about the possibility of signing the Dutch left-back.
“AS Roma make contact for Tyrell Malacia as left back option. During talks with Man United for Sancho (no green light yet from Jadon), AS Roma also ask for Malacia deal conditions. Tyrell, keen on the move; Besiktas also interested in the Dutch left back.”
Currently, the club-to-club negotiations appear to be further along with Sancho, as United have had a bid from Serie A giants Roma, whereas the personal side of things is further along with Malacia, as the 26-year-old is reportedly keen on the move to Italy, whereas there’s currently no word on Sancho’s stance.
Malacia had spent the back half of last season on loan at PSV, and the Dutch side had the opportunity to activate a buy option worth £8.5 million, but they declined to do so.
Amorim’s new left-back plan
United’s left-back situation has been an issue for several years. Luke Shaw has been the primary left back when fit, but rotation options such as Malacia and Alex Telles have failed to impress. Due to a long-term injury to Shaw last season, Diogo Dalot played large portions of the season at left back, despite him preferring the right-hand side.
The signing of Patrick Dorgu in January and the promotion of Harry Amass to the first team were the first stages of United’s new left-back plan. This season is likely to see Shaw play as one of the three centre-backs, as he won’t need to make explosive overlapping runs as often, and it should allow him to maintain a better level of fitness.
Amorim likes to employ wing-backs that operate along the breadth of the touchline, and given his pace, defensive attributes and passing ability, Dorgu will likely be the first choice left back for the season.
Rotating with him will either be Amass, who may go out on loan to Sheffield Wednesday, or new signing Diego Leon, who the club had planned to loan out before he impressed staff with his preseason performances and attitude.
