United held talks with Jorge Mendes to sign sensational Ligue 1 winger to replace bomb squad member – report

Manchester United tried to further strengthen their attack in the final days of the summer transfer window.

Ineos spent north of £200m on adding firepower to Ruben Amorim’s attack, handing him Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko.

However, United also got rid of a number of high-profile attackers during the summer. A report in France suggests one major exit prompted the Red Devils to explore the market for a new forward.

Manchester United tried to sign Malick Fofana

According to Foot Mercato, United tried to find a possible replacement for Alejandro Garnacho before last Monday’s deadline.

The Mancunians sold Garnacho to Chelsea in a £40m deal after the Argentina international fell out with Amorim.

It is claimed that Garnacho’s sale, coupled with an injury to Matheus Cunha against Burnley, led to United making a move for Olympique Lyonnais winger Malick Fofana in the last two days of the window. 

The Belgian talent, who was strongly linked with Everton and Liverpool early in the summer, was the subject of interest from United “behind the scenes.”

United tried to sign the Lyon forward by approaching Jorge Mendes, who supposedly acted as a bridge between the club and the player’s father.

Malick Fofana was interested in joining Man United

The 20-year-old enjoyed a promising last campaign in France, impressing clubs across Europe with his mesmerising dribbling and explosive pace.

Fofana was one of Lyon’s most threatening players in the final third against United in the Europa League last campaign.

It is understood Fofana was tempted by the idea of a move to Old Trafford despite having only joined the Ligue 1 outfit in 2024 from Gent.

United were reportedly waiting for a signal from his father before opening concrete negotiations. A signal never came, and Fofana remained at Lyon.

Featured image Ahmad Mora via Getty Images

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