Manchester United’s search for a new midfielder receives an update as Ruben Amorim’s January transfer focus is explained after one midfielder is rejected
Kobbie Mainoo’s has been give little to no opportunity at Manchester United this season(Image: Getty Images)
Manchester United reportedly decided against the opportunity of adding another wonderkid to their ranks in the shape of midfielder Mouhamed Dabo after a recent trial at Old Trafford.
The 17-year-old had spent some time with United earlier this season after being picked up by club scouts. Despite making a positive impression, no contract was offered.
Dabo has signed a pre-contract with Croatian second division side NK Kustošija. The teenager has recently participated in the Under-17 World Cup for Senegal, advancing to the Round of 32 before being eliminated by Uganda.
Even if United had decided to offer him a contract, Dabo would have had to wait until next summer, when he turns 18, to sign a pre-contract agreement in England. Scouting the international market and exploring untapped markets is something the recruitment team at United have done in recent years.
Cristian Orozco is set to complete a move to Manchester United
Colombian teenager Cristian Orozco is the latest talented youngster to agree a move to Old Trafford. The midfielder, who is the same age as Dabo, will cost an initial $1million (£750,000) and will officially move to Manchester when he turns 18 in the summer.
It’s expected that Orozco’s imminent arrival may have played a role in the decision not to offer Dabo a contract, as they would be competing in the same position. Diego Leon and Sekou Kone are two other international wonderkids signed by United.
The call also comes amid ongoing expectations that United will explore the transfer market for a new midfielder in January. Ruben Amorim is understood to be desperate to add another player to his options after an attempt to sign Carlos Baleba last summer.
Brighton’s asking price of more than £100million put United off, and Baleba’s performances in the first half of the season have raised doubts about the Reds’ intentions of another move. Alternatives like Adam Wharton, João Gomes, and Morten Hjulmand have continued to be linked.
Kobbie Mainoo is yet to start a Premier League game for Manchester United this season(Image: Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images)
United’s interest in a new midfielder has placed further doubt over Kobbie Mainoo’s future. The England international has started just once for Amorim this season, in the Carabao Cup defeat to Grimsby Town in August, and has played only 171 minutes in the Premier League.
Any hopes of him claiming a spot in the England World Cup squad rely on whether he will be allowed to leave the club on loan in January. United reportedly rejected his request to go in the summer.
Napoli remain keen on Mainoo, with reports stating that several clubs across Europe are expressing interest in signing him on loan until the end of the season.
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