United submit shock €35m bid to sign Spanish midfielder as Ineos scramble to strengthen Fletcher’s side – report

Manchester United interim boss Darren Fletcher rested Casemiro for the FA Cup clash against Brighton & Hove Albion. Accordingly, Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo formed the double pivot. Mainoo was promising with the ball at his feet but lacked the match sharpness to get up and down. Ugarte, on the other hand, was wasteful in possession and failed to provide defensive cover in United’s 2-1 loss at the hands of the Seagulls. His days at United appear to be numbered, as the club’s hierarchy are expected to overhaul the side’s midfield.  Manchester United make offer for Marcos Llorente According to Fichajes, Manchester United have made a bid to sign Atletico Madrid midfielder Marcos Llorente. It is claimed United have tabled a €35 million offer to sign the Spain international. This development has reportedly left Atletico facing a “significant transfer decision” during the winter window. The Spanish outlet suggest that United view Llorente as an “ideal signing” due to the 30-year-old’s experience and versatility. Marcos Llorente Stats: 2025/26 Season CompetitionAppearancesGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed Cards La Liga15-33– Champions League43-–– Supercopa1––– Total20333– Diego Simeone has consistently relied on the Spaniard due to his athleticism and intelligence. Llorente is capable of playing all across the midfield as well as on the flanks, making him a jack of all trades type of player.  It is believed United have been following Llorente for some time. Atletico Madrid could revamp their midfield The Red Devils have been strongly linked with Llorente’s teammate, Conor Gallagher. However, United face competition from Aston Villa for the Englishman’s services. Unai Emery is thought to be Gallagher’s long-term admirer. The likelihood of Atletico parting ways with two midfielders this month without any reinforcement seems slim. Ahead of the winter window, The Peoples Person relayed a report claiming Atletico are plotting a January move for Ugarte, whose physicality and aggressive style have attracted the attention of Simeone.  Featured image Florencia Tan Jun 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!