United frontrunners to sign dazzling £70m dribble king to replace outgoing forward – report

Manchester United managed a last-gasp equaliser against West Ham United at the London Stadium on Tuesday to continue their unbeaten run under Michael Carrick. It was a flat performance from the Red Devils, but their never-say-die attitude ensured a share of the spoils thanks to Benjamin Sesko’s late heroics. The Hammers played with a low defensive block while keeping things compact in the middle of the pitch. The visitors created most of their chances from out wide, but failed to make them count in the end. That is partly due to the lack of an out-and-out winger on the left. Amad is a dangerous proposition on the right, while Luke Shaw was the player getting into the most threatening crossing positions on the opposite flank. Iliman Ndiaye identified as Rashford’s replacement With Marcus Rashford expected to stay at Barcelona, the 20-time English league champions are seeking an explosive left winger capable of devastating opponents with pace and trickery. Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye fits the bill, and despite widespread interest in the 25-year-old, it is United who lead the race for his signature as per Teamtalk. The Senegalese ace has a contract with the Toffees until 2029, so they will not sell on the cheap, with the aforementioned report claiming David Moyes’ side are likely to demand £70 million to open talks. “Everton star Iliman Ndiaye is emerging as one of the Premier League’s sought-after attacking talents, and TEAMtalk understands that Manchester United are frontrunners in the race to sign him, but they face serious competition. United favourites for Iliman Ndiaye “United are among the frontrunners. Sources indicate they view Ndiaye as a prime candidate to replace Marcus Rashford’s squad place should the England forward depart for Barcelona permanently. CompetitionAppearancesGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played Premier League20522–1,710′ EFL Cup2000–44′ Total22522–1,754′ 25/26 season stats via Transfermarkt “Sources close to the situation suggest United have shown a strong interest, seeing the former Sheffield United man as an ideal fit for their attacking rebuild. “Everton, however, are in a strong position. With Ndiaye contracted until 2029, they are demanding a fee in the region of £70 million to even open discussions.” Chelsea, Arsenal, and Tottenham Hotspur also have their eyes on the former Sheffield United ace who has five goals and two assists this season. Iliman Ndiaye fits the bill The best part? Iliman Ndiaye can play across the frontline and he ranks in the 95th percentile for dribbles among his Premier League peers and in the 90th percentile for expected assists. He is no slouch defensively as well, with the Senegal international figuring in the 95th percentile for duels won and in the 99th percentile for ball recoveries (all stats via fotmob). The attacker is reportedly delighted with the interest he is garnering and is open to a move in the summer. Now for INEOS to cough up the money. Feature image Alex Burstow 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