Manchester United have been struggling in midfield this season, and while most expect INEOS to bring in a superstar in January or next summer, they might be taking a different route.
Casemiro’s ageing legs means he is ill-suited to playing week-in and week-out while Manuel Ugarte has struggled since his arrival in 2024.
Kobbie Mainoo is not trusted by Ruben Amorim, with the Red Devils linked with moves for the likes of Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton, and Elliot Anderson.
However, as per Africa Foot, the 20-time English league champions could be about to sign Mouhamed Dabo from Senegal instead.
Midfielder hunt
INEOS have shown they can pluck diamonds out of the rough, as seen from deals for Leny Yoro, Sekou Kone and the Be Sport Academy youngster could be about to follow in their footsteps.
He has been at Carrington on trial for a few weeks now, and seems to have blown away the coaches with his all-round skills: “clean tackling, vision, composure, ball control, leadership, relentless work, progressive passing, and pace control.”
Barcelona were also keen on him, having invited him to La Masia to attend trials. He did go but United are currently in pole position. Fans will be excited as the report even claims the 17-year-old is “already ready” for the top level.
In fact, so advanced is the deal for the Senegal U18 international that the Be Sport Academy’s president is in England to finalise the transfer.
“According to information from Africafoot, the young Senegalese prodigy Mouhamed Dabo, captain of the U17 national team, is very close to signing with Manchester United.
“Currently on trial at the Red Devils’ training center, the Besport Academy prodigy has seduced the English club’s management with his raw talent and maturity.
Mouhamed Dabo, a diamond in the rough
“The player has been playing at Manchester United’s Carrington training ground for several weeks, where he’s been training with the youth teams. According to our information, the feedback has been very positive.
The president of Bsport Académie is currently in England to finalize discussions regarding a possible transfer. FC Barcelona hasn’t said its last word.
“The Catalan club is also closely monitoring the progress of Mouhamed Dabo, who completed a month-long internship at La Masia, Barça’s famous training center, as revealed exclusively by Africafoot at the time. Seduced by his performances, the Spanish club is keeping a close eye on the case, even if Manchester United seems to have taken a head start.”
INEOS have shown they mean business when it comes to completing deals for prodigies around the world, and Mouhamed Dabo seems to be up next in the list.
Feature image Michael Regan via Getty Images
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
