Manchester United are eyeing new recruits and midfield is not the only position where we will see fresh faces in 2026.
Lisandro Martinez’s return gives Manchester United an immediate boost in defence, but there is a strong chance this is Harry Maguire’s final season at the club.
Maguire’s contract expires in 2026, and United are expected to let him leave and target a young defender next summer.
One player being linked with a move is Jeremy Jacquet, who could follow the Leny Yoro path from Rennes to Manchester United.
United have been scouting Jacquet, along with striker Mohamed Kader Meite, according to reports from France.
Rio Ferdinand has always urged patience with Leny Yoro
“He’s a student of the game, he sees his mistakes, he acknowledges his mistakes and he tries to learn from those mistakes.”
Rio Ferdinand
Jeremy Jacquet playing for France under-21s
Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images
What has been said about Jeremy Jacquet
Jeremy Jacquet is likely to have made a positive impression on Manchester United’s scouts after his recent performances.
He has helped Rennes climb to sixth in the Ligue 1 table, after finishing in 12th place in 2024/25.
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Jérémy Jacquet Profile
Date of Birth July 13, 2005
Age 20 years old (as of November 2025)
Current Club Stade Rennais F.C. (Ligue 1)
Place of Birth Bondy, France (Suburb of Paris)
Height 1.88m (6 ft 2 in)
Position Centre-back
In the summer, Jacquet signed a contract extension, agreeing a deal that runs to 2029.
Loic Desire, Rennes director told club media: “He has very great qualities, particularly athletic qualities, and exudes a lot of assurance and strength for his age.”
Jacquet has played at every level for France up to under-21s, and has earned great praise along the way.
France under-17 coach Jose Alcocer was quoted: “He exhibited a certain ease with the ball at his feet, an assurance, but also a charisma… He is a player who evolves as if he wants to advance. He drives something, he is dynamic.”
Describing his own style, Jacquet told club media: “I’m calm on the ball, maybe I can look a bit nonchalant, but I’m focused. What defines me is playing out well, breaking lines with the right pass.”
Jacquet’s on-ball ability will appeal to Ruben Amorim, who wants his centre-backs to be able to play out from the back.
And in an interview with L’Equipe this season, Jacquet explained how he is trying to develop his game: “I’m trying to be a bit more aggressive. Ultimately, I have to find the right balance between being aggressive and not aggressive enough.”
Who is your dream Manchester United signing in 2026?
Jeremy Jacquet’s career to date
Jeremy Jacquet was named in the UEFA Under-19s team of the tournament for the 2024 European Championships, the only French player selected.
Jacquet has since gone on to play five games for the under-21s, where he recently played 90 minutes alongside Leny Yoro in a match-up against Switzerland.
Jeremy Jacquet: Senior & Reserve Team Progression
Season Club League Apps (All Comps)
2021/22 – 2023/24 Rennes B (Reserve Team) National 2/3 31
2023/24 Stade Rennais Ligue 1 1
2023/24 (Loan) Clermont Foot Ligue 1 6
2024/25 (Loan) Clermont Foot Ligue 2 17
2024/25 Stade Rennais Ligue 1 11
2025/26 Stade Rennais Ligue 1 13
TOTAL (All Clubs & Levels) – 79
*Apps are for all competitions within the club (League, Domestic Cups).
According to Footmercato, Jacquet turned down interest from Arsenal in the summer, and it was a smart move, with first team opportunities at the Gunners likely to be limited.
United’s three-at-the-back system offers Jacquet a more direct chance at first team football, especially with Maguire expected to depart.
With 13 games under his belt for Rennes this season, he has already played a career-high in the top flight. He began last season in Ligue 2, before being recalled and stepping up to the first team.
Do you think Jeremy Jacquet could be a good centre-back signing for United? Who would you want instead?
Outstanding form ð¥
Data via Sofascore- Jeremy Jacquet
Over the past three games, Jacquet has been particularly outstanding for Rennes, who have won all three games.
He has played 90 minutes in all three, averaging 2.33 tackles per game and winning 82 per cent of his duels.
Jacquet is picking up valuable experience, and United are unlikely to be the only ones paying attention.
The chance to link up with French colleague Yoro has to be an attractive one, and the United defender will be able to give him the inside track on a move to Old Trafford.