Manchester United are searching for midfield reinforcements but have pulled out of a deal to sign one talented starlet.
The Red Devils are putting plans in place for the January transfer window in a bid to strengthen Ruben Amorim's squad for the second half of the campaign and beyond. But while the focus is on short-term success, the club are also pushing to sign young players who will set them up for years to come.
As a result, Man United have been targeting young talent from around the world, with one midfielder reportedly closing in on a move to Old Trafford.
Man United Pull Out Of Deal For Starlet
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim staring.
Premier League - Manchester United v West Ham United - Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain - December 4, 2025 Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim before the match REUTERS/Scott Heppell
Manchester United's pursuit of young talent led them to the door of Mouhamed Dabo. The Senegalese talent had been on trial at Carrington, however the club have since decided not to pursue the signing.
Taking to X, Absolut Fussbal journalist Christopher Michel said: "#MUFC had been working on a transfer for Mouhamed Dabo. However, Cristian Orozco had already been signed for this position. In addition, the club already has a great talent in its own ranks in Jim Thwaites in the U18 team. Therefore, according to my information, the club has decided not to go ahead with the deal."
As a result, Dabo has instead joined NK Kustosija, a club playing in the second tier of Croatia's football pyramid.
Man United Academy Star To Blame For Dabo Decision
Manchester United manager Ruben AmorimREUTERS/Phil Noble
Man United's reason for not signing Dabo is clear to see. The Red Devils have already wrapped up a deal to sign Cristian Orozco, an industrious defensive midfielder, who will link up with the club next summer.
They're also very excited about Jim Thwaites,a young talent who is already very much a part of the thinking at Old Trafford. The 18-year-old has regularly featured in first team training under Ruben Amorim and is described as having an 'almost Spanish style of play'.
Also described as a combination of Paul Scholes and David Beckham,
Having impressed at under-18 and under-21 levels, Thwaites is someone who could have a very big future in Manchester.
With uncertainty over the future of Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo at the moment, Man United are scouring the world for central midfielders and while Thwaites is still only 18, there's hope that he could turn into a future superstar in the years to come.
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