United set to battle bitter rivals for French sensation with 42 g/a last season – report

Manchester United are linked with attacking reinforcements in 2026, despite investing a small fortune in the frontline over the summer. The Red Devils parted ways with Marcus Rashford, Antony, Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund in a major revamp of the attack after a disappointing campaign. In came Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko, with the Premier League giants spending over £200 million to secure the trio. While Mbeumo has hit the ground running so far, the same cannot be said for Cunha and Sesko. The Brazilian has managed just one goal in 13 appearances across competitions, while the Slovenian has scored twice in 12 games. The Premier League giants, as such, could revisit the position in 2026, and a recent report relayed by The Peoples Person has named Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) forward Bradley Barcola as an option. A fine choice for the left-forward role Barcola joined the Parisians in the summer of 2023 from Lyon and was outstanding last season. The Frenchman registered 21 goals and 21 assists for Luis Enrique’s side as they secured a historic treble. However, Barcola has struggled to replicate that form this campaign and has managed five goals and three assists in 19 appearances, which includes 16 starts. Bradley Barcola Stats: 2025/26 Season CompetitionAppearancesGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played Ligue 112512-765′ UEFA Champions League6-2–442′ UEFA Super Cup1–1-67′ Total 25/2619533-1,274′ Source: Transfermarkt.The situation has added to speculation regarding the player’s future and United are ready to take advantage. A change in scenario could help the 23 year old rediscover the form that made him one of the hottest properties in European football a few months ago. Meanwhile, Barcola’s pace and trickery could help address Amorim’s misfiring left-forward position. However, it now appears that the Red Devils will face competition from a familiar foe in the race. Liverpool want Barcola According to journalist Mark Brus, Liverpool have identified Barcola as a possible replacement for Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian is expected to leave Anfield in 2026 following his public criticism of the club and Arne Slot. A source told the journalist: “Liverpool have already begun background work on replacing Salah. A player they really like, and have been following closely for some time, is Bradley Barcola.” The report, however, adds that PSG are not looking to let the Frenchman leave and could instead offer him a new deal. Barcola’s contract at the Parc des Princes runs until 2028, but a source told Brus that the player could be open to a new adventure. United, as such, will have to step up their efforts if they wish to beat their bitter rivals in the race for the Frenchman. Final Thoughts United have shown a preference for Premier League-proven targets of late, and recent reports suggest that they are already working to sign Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo in 2026. However, there is no doubt that Barcola could add another dimension to Amorim’s attack, so the Red Devils could keep a close watch on how his situation at PSG progresses. Featured image Stuart Franklin 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 Deepungsu Pandit Deepungsu has been a Manchester United fan since 2000. In his playing days, he was an attacking midfielder with a proclivity for the back heel. Right now, however, he prefers to operate as a regista. Deepungsu has been writing about the Red Devils, Football, and other things since 2009. He has worked for over seven years with Sportskeeda, writing football reviews, opinions and news articles. Deepungsu also maintains a blog, The Thinking Me, where he writes about life and things that interest him. His favourite Manchester United player is Paul Scholes.