Key Takeaways
- Manchester United are monitoring West Ham United’s El Hadji Malick Diouf as they seek cover at left-back.
- Kobbie Mainoo has agreed a new six-year contract worth approximately £120,000 per week.
- The club will prioritise signing two midfielders before considering defensive reinforcements.
Manchester United have identified West Ham United defender El Hadji Malick Diouf as a potential target for the summer transfer window. The 21-year-old Senegal international has impressed scouts during his first campaign in English football.
Diouf arrived at the London Stadium from Slavia Prague for roughly £19 million. He found the early months challenging but has developed into a vital member of the squad. His defensive positioning has improved markedly since January, and his delivery from the left flank now poses a genuine attacking threat.
The Red Devils want greater depth in the full-back positions. Luke Shaw has performed strongly this season, but his history of physical problems means the club needs dependable alternatives. At 30 years old, Shaw will require careful management next term, especially with United expecting to compete in the Champions League.
However, the manager views strengthening the centre of the pitch as the immediate priority. The club hopes to recruit two midfielders before addressing other areas. Their shortlist includes Éderson of Atalanta, Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United, and Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest. Anderson is also a target for Manchester City.
Funds for defensive additions will only become available after the midfield reinforcements are secured. Patrick Dorgu offers flexibility to play higher up the pitch, so United may seek a specialist defender to challenge Shaw. Current options include Tyrell Malacia, Noussair Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot, though none are naturally left-footed.
West Ham’s stance on selling Diouf depends heavily on their Premier League survival. They hold a two-point advantage over the relegation zone with four fixtures remaining. The club recorded losses exceeding £104 million in their latest financial year and may need to sell players to balance the books. Crysencio Summerville and Mateus Fernandes could also attract bids.
In separate news, Kobbie Mainoo has committed his future to Old Trafford by signing an extension until June 2031. The 21-year-old midfielder will earn a basic wage of about £120,000 weekly.
Mainoo had lost his place in the team under former head coach Ruben Amorim, who departed in January. Interim manager Michael Carrick restored him to the starting eleven for a 2-0 victory on 17 January, marking his first league appearance of the season.
Jason Wilcox, the director of football, expressed strong belief in the young star. He stated that the club expects Mainoo to develop into one of the world’s elite players and become central to United’s pursuit of major trophies.