United ready to pounce on 18-yo French sensation to avoid nightmare situation for Carrick – report

Manchester United are reluctant to sanction a major departure in January following Ruben Amorim’s sacking. Both Joshua Zirkzee and Kobbie Mainoo were expected to leave United this month. However, the latter has been “brought back into the fold” by Michael Carrick and plans to move to Italy on loan have been shelved. The same cannot be said with certainty for Zirkzee, who is unlikely to be favoured ahead of Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko to lead United’s attack under Carrick. Juventus interested in Joshua Zirkzee Recently, The Peoples Person relayed a report claiming Juventus have identified Zirkzee as a potential target during the final stretch of the January transfer window.  There is a belief that the former Bologna marksman will do well back in Serie A. Furthermore, Zirkzee is thought to be open to the possibility of returning to Italy. However, the Old Lady’s pursuit hinges on United bringing in another forward. With Champions League qualification at stake, the Red Devils have no intention of leaving Carrick short of options. Manchester United eyeing Kader Meite According to Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna, Manchester United are “showing interest” in Kader Meite. The towering striker has raised plenty of eyebrows in Ligue 1 with his imposing physique and technical ability. Still just 18, the France U21 international has become a regular for Stade Rennais, having been involved in seven goals in 32 appearances for the Ligue 1 side since his senior debut in November 2024. Aouna suggests that United are only going to make a move for Meite in January should one of their attackers leave. It is added that Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal are pushing to sign the Rennes gem, having already tabled a €40m offer.  However, Meite is yet to accept their proposal, as he is reluctant to move to Saudi Arabia at this juncture of his career. Featured image Alex Livesey via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Vishal Singh Vishal has worked in the football media industry for over six years, planning, writing, and editing content for several major outlets, including North Star Network. Vishal has a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Delhi University. Currently a writer at The Peoples Person, he covers Manchester United — a club he has been religiously following and supporting since 2012. Vishal also manages a leading MUFC fan page, The Red Devils, on Facebook with over a million likes. Big fan of ball-playing centre-backs and Harry Maguire’s knee-slide celebration!