Manchester United are reportedly setting their sights on Everton’s attacking talent, Iliman Ndiaye, as a key target for the forthcoming summer transfer window. The Red Devils, having invested over £200 million on bolstering their squad in the previous summer, are keen to bring further attacking prowess to Old Trafford under the guidance of INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who have made enhancing the team’s offensive capabilities a priority.
In the recent transfer activity, Manchester United procured the talents of Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and Benjamin Sesko, all in significant financial deals, following a season where only four Premier League clubs scored fewer than United in 2024/25. Despite these additions, fans had anticipated reinforcements within the midfield—a known frailty last season—with soundings made for Brighton’s Carlos Baleba and Connor Gallagher, then at Atletico Madrid. However, the midfield remained unaddressed during the summer window.
Speculation persists that the Red Devils could bolster their midfield in the January window. Yet, indications suggest a strategy to consolidate funds for a more impactful summer acquisition spree, possibly targeting both midfield stalwarts and forwards like Ndiaye. Sources from TEAMtalk affirm that the Africa Cup of Nations winner is expected to feature prominently on United’s summer shopping list. Ndiaye’s current form for Everton, having netted four goals and contributed two assists across 17 Premier League fixtures this season, underscores his potential value.
Regardless of prospective managerial shifts at Old Trafford, the club’s interest in Ndiaye is robust, though securing his signature would necessitate an exorbitant fee. It’s speculated that United would need to approach the £75 million mark— an amount reminiscent of their 2017 purchase of Romelu Lukaku from Everton, a record at the time for the Toffees.
In the managerial hotseat, Michael Carrick has impressively led United to victories against Manchester City and Arsenal as interim boss. However, club legend Paul Scholes posits that despite this auspicious start, Carrick may face hurdles in securing the manager role permanently, with a potential move to Tottenham on the cards.
Scholes, speaking on The Good, The Bad, & The Football podcast, mused: “He’s stepped in at a low point for the club, meaning less pressure as interim manager. But full-time management brings expectations from the off. With contenders like Thomas Tuchel possibly in the mix, Carrick might find competition for the role exceptionally steep.”
Amidst this swirling transfer market and managerial speculation, Manchester United remain poised to enhance their squad ambitions, with Ndiaye at Everton seemingly on their radar as a marquee signing.