Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing Sassuolo defender Tarik Muharemović in January. However, they face stiff competition from clubs in the Premier League, Bundesliga, and Serie A.
Manchester United are looking to strengthen their defence, with Harry Maguire's future under speculation. They are looking for a young progressive defender, and as per Caught Offside, they have identified Muharemović as a potential signing. They have also sent scouts to watch the Bosnia and Herzegovina international.
However, the Premier League giants will have to compete against multiple clubs for his signature. Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United are monitoring him, while RB Leipzig are preparing a bid worth €25 million plus bonuses.
Muharemović joined Sassuolo from Juventus Next Gen on loan in 2024 before the move was made permanent last summer. However, the Bianconeri have included a 50% of any future fee clause in his contract. Hence, Sassuolo will have to pay Juventus 50% of any transfer fee, making it difficult for other clubs to sign him.
The Italian club's CEO, Giovanni Carnevali, has said that “there have been contacts but no official offers yet" for Muharemović. Sassuolo are unwilling to sell the defender, who has made 17 Serie A appearances this season, in January.
Darren Fletcher opens up after Manchester United exit FA Cup in the Third Round
The Red Devils lost 2-1 against Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford in the FA Cup Third Round on Sunday, January 11. Brajan Gruda gave the visitors the lead in the 12th minute before Danny Welbeck doubled it in the 64th minute. Benjamin Sesko pulled one back for Manchester United in the 85th minute, but they couldn't find the equalizer.
After the game, caretaker manager Darren Fletcher said (h/t manutd.com):
"Well, bitterly disappointed because we're out of the FA Cup. I think the players see the reaction at the end and, you know, deservedly so. And so we're disappointed with the result and probably disappointed with some moments in the game, especially responding to Brighton's first goal. I think we took too long to respond from that. So, players are down, disappointed, hurt. But they're going to have to pick themselves up and recover because we've got a big game next week."
Manchester United have now been eliminated from both cup competitions and will play just 40 games this season. They will next face rivals Manchester City at Old Trafford on January 17.