Manchester United are chasing a new left wing back but a failed move for a forward is now being speculated.
Manchester United are back in European action on Thursday night, taking on Rangers in the Europa League.
This is the final part of a home triple-header for Ruben Amorim and he can’t be entirely happy with what he has seen.
United were unconvincing in a victory over Southampton last week and then lost to Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday.
A win over Rangers would really lift the mood before the attention turns back to transfers ahead of the January deadline.
Technically, the deadline is in February this time, but United have work to do in an attempt to bolster Amorim’s options.
Manchester United fail with late forward bid
United are in talks to sign Patrick Dorgu with the Lecce star the top target at left wing back.
Even that deal will surely depend on outgoings but United have now been linked with an attacking move.
Tuttomercatoweb claim that United made a late move to sign Brighton and Hove Albion’s Julio Enciso.
It’s stated that talks had been held between United and Brighton in recent days over Enciso’s future.
The Italian website had information on Enciso’s future due to Atalanta’s failed attempt to sign him, whilst adding that United wanted the Paraguayan to replace Napoli target Alejandro Garnacho.
However, Brighton were already far along with a deal to send Enciso on loan to Ipswich Town and went ahead with his move to Portman Road.
Ipswich are yet to confirm the deal but Enciso is set to play under former United coach Kieran McKenna.
It’s unclear whether United were asking for a loan too, with a permanent move potentially more likely on United’s end and Brighton preferring a loan.
This may sound like a strange rumour but it makes some sense with regards to United’s need for players who are comfortable as number 10’s.
The two attackers behind the striker in Amorim’s 3-4-3 setup need to play as number 10’s but drift wide when required – a role Enciso can certainly play to a high level.
It’s also worth noting that Manchester City wanted Enciso from Libertad in 2022, as noted by Libertad president Ruben Di Tore and quoted by The Argus.
Jason Wilcox is leading United’s transfer business now, but he was a key man in City’s system at the time of their interest.
Enciso would have likely joined Wilcox’s development ranks and the United man may have held a long-standing interest in the Paraguayan.
Prepare for more attacking rumours around Manchester United
The Enciso link is still a little surprising but maybe this is something we should be prepared for in the final stages of the window.
United are potentially losing three attackers before the deadline.
Antony is set to join Real Betis, Napoli are chasing Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford is still exiled under Amorim.
If United lose three players who predominantly play attacking roles, Amorim will need to bring in fresh blood.
Big-money commitments may be unlikely, which is why players like Enciso may actually fit the bill.
Outgoing business must materialise for United to bring in signings, but with money seemingly going towards the Dorgu bid, loans may well be on the wish list.
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