Manchester United have suffered a double transfer blow. After Michael Carrick’s superb start as the interim manager, the Red Devils were looking to add a midfielder to their squad.
Also, they were looking to add a forward. However, it seems they will not be able to sign their targets, as two players have chosen a different path.
United’s primary midfield targets are Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba, Alex Scott, and Adam Wharton. But these are targets for the summer.
In January, they were looking to sign Ruben Neves. The Al Hilal midfielder’s contract was set to end in June 2026. However, it looks like the Portuguese will extend his stay in Saudi Arabia.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Neves is close to agreeing on a three-year deal. The negotiations are in the final stages. Now, this will be a big blow for the Red Devils.
Ruben Neves could have been an ideal signing for Manchester United to establish control in the middle of the park. But Neves is not the only player they will miss out on in January.
Transfer News Live earlier reported that the Red Devils were eyeing a move for Kader Meite from Rennes as the replacement for injured Patrick Dorgu.
But, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that the French forward is heading to Al Hilal in a €30 million move. So, it seems United might end up empty-handed in the January transfer window.
🚨🔵 Kader Meïté to Al Hilal, here we go! Agreement in place with Rennes and also player side right now.
Fee around €30m, 18 year old talent picks Al Hilal and Simone Inzaghi’s project seen as ideal step despite approaches from Premier League clubs.
Meïté set for medical next. pic.twitter.com/kMV72bticq
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 29, 2026
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