Manchester United Transfer News Roundup: Red Devils want Youssouf Fofana; club not in talks for Paulo Dybala, and more - January 12, 2024

Manchester United are putting together final preparations ahead of their Premier League home game against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday (January 14). Erik ten Hag's side are eighth after 20 games, 14 points behind leaders Liverpool (45).

Meanwhile, the Red Devils are interested in Monaco midfielder Youssouf Fofana. Elsewhere, the Old Trafford outfit are not in talks to sign AS Roma attacker Paulo Dybala.

On that note, here's a look at the key Manchester United transfer stories as on January 12, 2024:

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Manchester United want Youssouf Fofana

Youssouf Fofana is wanted at Old Trafford.

Manchester United are interested in Youssouf Fofana, according to Fichajes. The Red Devils have identified the midfield as an area in urgent need of reinforcements this year.

Casemiro and Christian Eriksen are both on the wrong side of 30 and have shown signs of regression. Ten Hag brought in Sofyan Amrabat on loan from Fiorentina last summer, but the Moroccan has been a disappointment.

The Dutch manager is keen to make amends and has identified Fofana as the ideal replacement for Amrabat. The 25-year-old has been in fine form this season for Monaco, registering one goal and three assists in 16 appearances across competitions.

The Frenchman’s contract with the Ligue 1 club runs till 2025, so prising him away might not be a challenge.

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Red Devils not in talks for Paulo Dybala

Paulo Dybala’s future at the Olimpic Stadium is up in the air.

Manchester United are not in talks to take Paulo Dybala to Old Trafford, according to acclaimed transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.

The Argentinean forward has been in decent form for AS Roma this season, registering six goals and as many assists in 18 outings across competitions. The 30-year-old is available for €12 million till January 15, as per Romano. Fichajes have reported that the situation has prompted the Red Devils to join the race for his services.

However, speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Romano said that Dybala won't be a good fit for Manchester United.

"Paulo Dybala has a really, really big salary. Many clubs are tempted by the possibility, but his salary is also an important part of the story for someone who is a super technical player,” said Romano.

He continued:

"You have to find the right position for him. For example, at Roma, he is perfect to play next to Romelu Lukaku, but he is probably not exactly what Manchester United need in their system. I think that is why the situation is still a bit quiet when it comes to Paulo Dybala."

Dybala’s release clause will be active once again in the summer.

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Erik ten Hag’s future up in the air, says former player

Erik ten Hag is serving as an interim coach at Manchester United following the arrival of new minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, according to former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher.

The Dutch manager has struggled to get the best out of his team, and his situation has come under severe scrutiny. Ten Hag’s men are out of the UEFA Champions League and the EFL Cup.

Ratcliffe recently took charge of 25% of the Red Devils and will be in control of sporting side of things. In his column for The Telegraph, Carragher said that unless the results improve, Ten Hag could be shown the door at the end of the season.

“He is effectively an interim coach until the end of the season. Unless there is a significant upturn in results and performances, he will have to go. This is a natural consequence of significant boardroom upheaval.

"Wherever there is new investment at an elite football club, an instant review of every department follows – especially those that are malfunctioning,” wrote Carragher.

He continued:

“Ratcliffe will attend his first United game as a major shareholder this weekend asking himself this question: is this manager a symbol of the club I want to rebuild?”

The Premier League giants have lost 14 of their 29 games across competitions this season, including nine in the league.