News round-up as Manchester United are credited with an interest in one of the most exciting young players in Europe
Michael Carrick during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Crystal Palace at Old Trafford.
Michael Carrick is coming to terms with his first defeat as Manchester United interim boss(Image: Visionhaus, Visionhaus/Getty Images)
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Michael Carrick will spend the weekend reflecting on his first loss as interim Manchester United boss, with the club not playing due to the FA Cup fifth round.
United won't be back in action until Sunday, March 15 when they welcome Aston Villa. Carrick will be working relentlessly to rectify the mistakes that led to Wednesday's 2-1 defeat at Newcastle. Despite the setback, the former midfielder still has considerable goodwill as he aims to secure the role permanently in the summer.
However, the loss in the north-east was a wake-up call for United as they head into their break. brings you a round-up of United news...
United scout 'next Haaland'
United have reportedly dispatched scouts to observe one of Europe's most promising young talents. Yan Diomande, who can play on either wing, has thrived since moving to RB Leipzig from Spanish second-tier side Leganes in a £17 million deal last summer.
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The 19-year-old Ivorian has so far scored 10 goals and provided seven assists in just 26 games. According to Fabrizio Romano, United sent "several scouts" to watch Diomande in January.
While they are not the only club showing interest, they may have an edge as the club's head of recruitment, Christopher Vivell, previously worked for Red Bull-owned clubs Salzburg and Leipzig.
One source within the Red Bull football group has drawn comparisons between Diomande and a former Salzburg striking legend, telling Flashscore he is "the most gifted player within our system since Erling Haaland."
Yan Diomande
Yan Diomande's stock is rising(Image: Getty Images)
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Leipzig are eager to retain the youngster beyond a single campaign, with club chief Marcel Schafer telling Kicker in January: "It is our aim to keep players with us for longer than just one year, because otherwise you don't achieve any continuity."
Nevertheless, a substantial summer bid from United could prove impossible to resist.
Manager addresses transfer talk
Altay Bayındır may be heading back to Turkey this summer. Bayındır was afforded a short opportunity under Ruben Amorim at the beginning of the campaign following Andre Onana's struggles.
The Turkish goalkeeper failed to impress before slipping behind new arrival Senne Lammens. According to Ajanspor, the former Fenerbahce shot-stopper is a target for Besiktas.
Altay Bayindir
Altay Bayindir appears to have little future at United(Image: Getty Images)
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Black Eagles boss Sergen Yalçın was recently asked about that report and didn't dismiss his interest in the 27-year-old. He said: "This is not the time to answer these questions. We play cups, leagues. We will talk about these issues when the transfer window comes."
Besiktas are searching for a goalkeeper following Mert Gunok's recent move to Fenerbahce.