Manchester United continue to recruit young players under Ineos and Jason Wilcox may stick to that approach moving forward.
The January transfer window is now over and Manchester United can reflect on some positive business.
Three young players have committed their futures to United as Ruben Amorim looks to build his side at Old Trafford.
Ayden Heaven arrived from Arsenal before Patrick Dorgu joined United from Lecce, adding two exciting options to Amorim’s squad.
United have signed Diego Leon too but the left back will only arrive from Cerro Porteno in the summer.
Snapping up top youngsters appears to be a priority for United and there may well be more to come.
- READ: Confirmed Manchester United transfer deals for January 2025, ins, outs, loan moves, deadline date
Manchester United transfer theory emerges around Manchester City
Jason Wilcox has taken on a larger role at United since Dan Ashworth’s shock exit and his influence has sparked theories.
The Athletic claim that sources around Manchester City believe that United will begin targeting players with history in the City ranks.
Chelsea have gone down a similar route with Joe Shields a key part of their recruitment process and ex-City coach Enzo Maresca in the dugout.
Romeo Lavia, Colę Palmer, Jadon Sancho and Tosin Adarabioyo have all joined Chelsea in recent times after coming through at City.
United wanted Adarabioyo over the summer and it’s claimed that Wilcox is expected to emulate Chelsea’s approach.
The Blues failed with a move to sign Nico O’Reilly from City before the deadline with Pep Guardiola’s side keen to avoid another Palmer situation.
Direct deals between United and City seem unlikely but players with history in the City ranks may be targeted by United with Wilcox and Omar Berrada calling the shots.
Former Manchester United talents Manchester United can target
United fans would no doubt love to see Cole Palmer in the famous red shirt, but that isn’t going to happen any time soon.
There are some former City talents who could be lured to Old Trafford though with Wilcox and Berrada no doubt considering that route.
Liam Delap is on United’s radar with the Ipswich Town striker considered to be a top target for the summer.
City have a buy-back clause on Delap but Wilcox will seemingly chase a deal for his signature.
Borussia Dortmund’s Felix Nmecha has been on United’s radar in the past and Wilcox will be aware of the midfielder’s talent.
Nmecha recently picked up an injury though and it’s unclear just when he will return.
Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford would represent a homegrown addition between the sticks whilst Morgan Rogers must be on United’s wish list.
The Aston Villa forward has been a sensation this season and is certainly showing the talent which saw him join City as a kid.
Villa would demand a huge fee for Rogers now, but United may well need to invest big money to solve the attacking problems facing Amorim.
Bayer Leverkusen’s Aleix Garcia and Real Madrid’s Brahim Diaz represent some European options in this regard, with Wilcox potentially using his City history to strengthen United.
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