Manchester United are monitoring Rennes striker Mohamed Kader Meite, but it would take something big for a move to materialise ahead of the transfer deadline next Monday.
It has been a quiet month for Manchester United in terms of transfers. Ineos have been busy sacking Ruben Amorim and hiring Michael Carrick, with little time left to conduct any transfer deals.
That means Carrick will likely need to rely on the players he has available to him in his quest to secure Champions League football. If he doesn’t achieve that, there won’t be any talk of him keeping the job as head coach beyond this season.
Many areas of United’s first team could be improved with investment. There’s a need for more quality in attack, midfield and defence – though it’s the midfield department that will take priority in 2026.
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That doesn’t mean United aren’t looking at signings in other positions, especially after missing out on Antoine Semenyo to Man City earlier this month.
One way to win more football matches is by scoring goals. United are already doing that in comparison to last season.
Kader Meite holds possession
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Man Utd move for Kader Meite depends on Joshua Zirksee transfer
Although Joshua Zirkzee is considered a backup option to Benjamin Sesko, as one of the few striker options in the squad, the Netherlands international is not recognised as a goalscorer.
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Zirkzee is renowned for his link-up play and bringing his teammates into attacking transitions, but United need forward players who know where the back of the net is.
United are monitoring Rennes striker Mohamed Kader Meite, which caused speculation over a January swoop.
According to Sky Sports, it is unlikely that United will launch a pursuit for Kader Meite ahead of transfer deadline day, but their stance could change with the potential sale of Zirkzee, who has not featured since Carrick became head coach in the previous two matches.
Zirkzee has interest from Italy, but there is little to suggest that he will be departing Old Trafford midway through the season.
United are expecting a quiet end to the winter transfer window and will only consider sales if it receives a significant bid that matches their valuation.
It remains to be seen if Juventus or any other Italian side makes an offer for Zirkzee ahead of the deadline. That could see United make a move for Rennes’ starlet Kader Meite.
If United don’t move for Kader Meite this month, they will likely keep track of the 18-year-old for the remainder of the season. It could be a deal they revisit in the summer.
Kader Meite has made 17 appearances for Rennes so far this term, scoring three goals and registering two assists in six starts.
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With Patrick Dorgu injured and Sterling free, surely it makes sense to get Carrick an experienced stop-gap option?
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When is Kader Meite in action again?
Kader Meite could feature for Rennes when they travel to Monaco on Saturday.
Rennes are currently sixth in Ligue 1, which means the youngster is starring in a decent side rather than relegation fodder.
Kader Meite could leave Rennes in the last few days of the transfer window, and he may be hoping that happens with Zirkzee to boost his chances of moving to Old Trafford.
The young French star could link up with Leny Yoro in Manchester, should he sign for United in the future.
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