United do not want to repeat this key mistake of the past as they take January call – Sky

Whether or not Manchester United strengthen their attack will depend on Joshua Zirkzee’s future. The Dutchman, who is currently injured, has not started a game since the second week of December. There is interest in his services from both the Premier League and Serie A. However, as relayed by The Peoples Person, Juventus are unlikely to land the Netherlands international, and that effectively means Rennes striker Kader Meite will not be joining the Red Devils in January. The Rennes academy product has five goals and two assists for the first team, including three goals this term. Kader Meite not joining United in January The rumour mill has exploded with reports of United signing the young Frenchman this month, but both Sky Sports and Manchester World have put paid to those rumours. As per MW, links to the 18-year-old striker have been greatly “exaggerated”, and it is more likely that the France U21 international will join Al-Hilal than the 20-time English league champion. “Club sources say that United’s interest in the player has been ‘exaggerated’ and there is a feeling that their name is being used to drum up interest from elsewhere in the teenager. “Saudi club Al Hilal have also been credited with interest in Meité and would appear a more likely destination for the forward in the current window.” Not yet ready Sky have explained that Kader Meite fits the INEOS formula of signing players with potential, but the hierarchy remain unsure about throwing him into the deep end at such a young age. “Manchester United are monitoring young Rennes striker Kader Meite. It is unlikely United will move for the 18-year-old in this transfer window as things stand. “United see him as a possible future target but are aware of the unique pressures that being a Manchester United player brings. They are cautious about throwing such a young player into that environment too early.” Rasmus Hojlund is the perfect example of a move that came too soon into the player’s career. Benjamin Sesko is only 22, and should United need a backup, it is better to sign an experienced star as opposed to another young gun. Feature 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 Ayantan Chowdhury After failing to become a professional footballer, Ayantan switched to the next best thing: writing about the greatest football club in the world. He has extensive sports journalism experience, having worked for over 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25