Manchester United have been keeping tabs on Jérémy Jacquet and Mohamed Meite
Manchester United have already started to widen their recruitment focus ahead of the 2026 January transfer window, and have opted for a silent but carefully planned scouting approach.
That’s where we bring you a recent report from The Sun, which has revealed that a club representative observed Stade Rennais’ narrow 1–0 win over Paris FC on November 7, with the spotlight firmly on two emerging talents, Jérémy Jacquet and Mohamed Meite.
The interest revealed to everyone that they are planning for the long term, as both players remain at early stages of their development, but have already made strong impressions in Ligue 1. Jacquet, just 20 years old, has featured in every minute of Rennes’ season so far, which in itself is a clear show of trust from his coaching staff.
Arsenal and Crystal Palace are also in the race
Manchester United have been keeping tabs on Jérémy Jacquet and Mohamed Meite.
United scout youth for 2026 plans
Meanwhile, Arsenal and Crystal Palace have displayed their interest in him before he went on to sign a contract extension till 2029. The extension has meant that Rennes will have the upper hand in any future negotiations. Meanwhile, United still continue to see the youngster as someone who can go on to replace Harry Maguire, who is having an unclear future, with his contract expiring in June 2026.
Meanwhile, Arsenal and Crystal Palace had also previously shown interest in him before he signed a contract extension running to 2029. It means that Rennes retain significant leverage in any future negotiations. The Red Devils, on the other hand, reportedly view him as a potential successor in central defence, especially as uncertainty lingers over Harry Maguire’s future.
Meanwhile, the same report outlines that the club is also assessing 18-year-old striker Mohamed Meite, who has begun to make his mark in the senior squad. Scouts have continued to attend recent fixtures to track both players’ progression. They have shown increasing intent to reinforce depth through youth rather than established names.
How do we look at this interest from the club?
Looking at it simply, Jacquet appears a centre-back suited to modern football with strong positional discipline, good composure in possession and the flexibility to operate across the defensive line. Standing at 6 ft 2 in, he contributes to build-up play and has already earned recognition through his inclusion in the 2024 SCOUTED UEFA U-19 EURO Team of the Tournament.
Meanwhile, Meite looks like a strong, physical forward with pace, aerial strength and intelligent movement, which makes him more of a long-term option up front.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS have restructured Manchester United’s policy to emphasise acquiring young players with big potential rather than ready-made stars, which in turn makes both targets logical. The approach is sensible, provided the club balances development time with squad needs, and their chase suggests clear ambition in preparing for the future in key positions.