Manchester United may not have plans to spend big in the January transfer window but one potential target continues to shine.
Ineos have now overseen their first summer transfer window and can be pleased with the business completed.
Manchester United splashed the cash on five first-team signings as Joshua Zirkzee, Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui and Manuel Ugarte all arrived.
United are still bedding those signings in and it’s worth remembering that this was just stage one of the new Ineos approach.
Results haven’t yet arrived but United will hope to see real success from those new signings – and may have one eye on January too.
- READ MORE: Manchester United confirmed signings, transfers in, out, loan exits, releases for 2024/25
Edon Zhegrova shines v Real Madrid
United were linked with wingers before the transfer deadline.
Raheem Sterling was mentioned as Jadon Sancho headed off to Chelsea, whilst United were also linked with an option in France.
Lille wide man Edon Zhegrova was allegedly ‘sounded out’ for a move to United but no deal was done before the deadline.
The Kosovo international racked up 12 goals and 10 assists last season, thriving on the right flank for Lille.
Zhegrova has started this season in fine form with six goals in 10 games and he helped take down Real Madrid on Wednesday night.
Lille beat Real 1-0 in the Champions League with Jonathan David scoring from the penalty spot.
Zhegrova’s free kick was handled in the box and David stepped up to hand Lille a memorable win.
United will have surely been watching Zhegrova against elite competition and the French media have praised his display – which saw him win the UEFA Player of the Match award.
“The Kosovar winger simply broke the screen. He gave Bellingham and Mendy work with his dribbling, and destabilised the Real defence with his crosses, like the one that led to David’s double chance,” – Maxifoot.
“He won the penalty on this free kick pushed back by Camavinga’s hand. But above all, he made an incredible number of differences in his corridor, while maintaining a very important defensive volume to have a compact Lille block,” – Le Petit Lillois.
“Very active from the start of the match, the Kosovar was once again the main threat on the Dogues side. Still as punchy and technically valuable, he came close to providing an assist to Jonathan David on a sublime cross, but the Canadian’s header was pushed back by Lunin. The winger even made a name for himself on the other side of the pitch by multiplying defensive returns on Vini Jr. to support Thiago Santos. He took the free kick that led to the penalty awarded for a handball by Camavinga. In the second half, he didn’t let up, setting fire to every ball he had to play. His striking qualities were an ordeal for Carlo Ancelotti’s men,” – Foot Mercato.
Zhegrova could replace Antony
United do have options out wide but the right flank remains an area of concern.
Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho would ideally want to play on the left whilst Amad Diallo offers a natural option on the right.
Garnacho has played there too but United may want another natural right-sided winger given Antony’s struggles.
The Brazilian has failed to live up to his huge price tag since joining from Ajax in 2022 and this season is seemingly make or break for him.
If United decide to move on from Antony in 2025, 25-year-old Zhegrova could be an appealing option without breaking the bank as he heads towards the final 18 months of his Lille contract.
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