Manchester United’s Transfer Deadline Day Drama: Tel and Nkunku in the Spotlight
As the transfer window slams shut, Manchester United are making headlines with their last-minute attempts to strengthen their squad. The Red Devils are reportedly eyeing two promising talents, Mathys Tel and Christopher Nkunku, to bolster their attacking options. Sources have informed ESPN that United are keen to bring either of these players into Ruben Amorim’s squad before the deadline.
United’s urgency in the transfer market is partly due to their recent player movements. The club is close to completing a deal with Aston Villa for Marcus Rashford to move to Villa Park on loan until the end of the season. Additionally, they have already offloaded winger Antony to Real Betis on a six-month loan deal.
In a surprising tactical move, coach Amorim used defensive midfielder Kobbie Mainoo as a centre-forward in Sunday’s 2-0 Premier League defeat against Crystal Palace. This decision came despite having recognized strikers Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee available. Sources indicate that United are making concerted efforts to add a forward before Monday’s transfer deadline.
Negotiations with Bayern Munich over a loan deal for the France under-21 forward, Mathys Tel, have hit a snag. However, Tel remains eager to join United, and discussions are ongoing. Interestingly, Tel rejected a permanent transfer to Tottenham over the weekend, signaling his preference for a move to Old Trafford.
Amorim expressed the club’s determination to improve the squad, stating, “We are trying everything to improve the team without repeating the mistakes of the past. We are trying our best to improve, but this market is really tough. We want so bad to improve.”
Meanwhile, Arsenal are also in the race for Tel, who has fallen out of favor under coach Vincent Kompany at the Allianz Arena. Despite this competition, United are prioritizing a move for the 19-year-old ahead of Chelsea forward Nkunku.
If a deal for Tel cannot be finalized, United have Nkunku as a backup option. The potential deal could involve winger Alejandro Garnacho moving to Stamford Bridge. Nkunku, 27, has struggled to make an impact at Chelsea since his £52 million ($65.8m) move from RB Leipzig in 2023 and is available for a loan or permanent transfer.
In addition to their pursuit of attacking reinforcements, United are also looking to offload full-back Tyrell Malacia before the deadline. Benfica have shown interest in the Netherlands international, adding another layer of intrigue to United’s transfer dealings.
- Manchester United are targeting Mathys Tel and Christopher Nkunku.
- Marcus Rashford is close to a loan move to Aston Villa.
- Antony has joined Real Betis on a six-month loan.
- Negotiations with Bayern Munich for Tel have stalled, but talks continue.
- Nkunku is a backup option if a deal for Tel cannot be reached.
- United are also looking to offload Tyrell Malacia, with Benfica interested.
Originally Written by: Mark Ogden
