Michael Carrick is the favourite to become Manchester United caretaker head coachplaceholder image
Michael Carrick is the favourite to become Manchester United caretaker head coach | Getty Images
Man United have previously been linked to a Juventus target; He was a player Ruben Amorim loved.
Man United are having a fairly quiet January window in terms of recruitment, as they are yet to make any signings, and could end the month without any new players for manager Michael Carrick.
Juventus make offer to sign Mateta
Whether United consider Amorim’s proposals or not, they may now run out of time, as reports in Italy claim that Juventus have made an offer to sign Mateta, who has said he is willing to leave Palace in the January window.
The striker’s contract is due to expire in June 2027, so Palace could look to cash in on him this season to ensure they get a good financial return for the Frenchman. Italian news outlet Calciomercato claim that Juventus have made an offer totalling £26m for Mateta, as it is a £1.7m loan fee, with a £24.3m obligation to buy Mateta if they qualify for the Champions League this season.
It is understood that Mateta has said yes to the move, but Crystal Palace rejected the bid, as they would prefer a permanent sale for the French international if he were to leave this month. If Juventus are serious about signing Mateta, it could ruin any chance of United signing him, as they would more likely make a move for him in the summer transfer window, when they are willing to spend more money.
Amorim wanted Watkins instead of Sesko
It wasn’t just Mateta and Welbeck that Amorim wanted to sign, as the Red Devils did sign a striker in the summer, but it wasn’t the one he wanted. United signed Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig, but he’s had a slow start, scoring four goals in 17 Premier League games.
However, United’s bosses decided to go with the younger, high-potential option of Sesko instead, which is arguably more of a risk because he’s less proven. The Red Devils will hope that Carrick can begin to get the best out of Sesko, so they can prove Amorim wrong.
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