Mbabu, Weghorst and Butland: Man Utd transfers or Bournemouth?

Suraj Radia

• 18 Jan 2023 15:02 GMT
• 2 min read

Manchester United’s strange transfer window could be set to continue after they were linked with yet another curious name following the arrivals of Wout Weghorst and Jack Butland this month.

Burnley striker Weghorst joined United on loan after cutting short his loan at Besiktas while goalkeeper Butland signed on a similar deal from Crystal Palace to replace Martin Dubravka, who was recalled by Newcastle.

And now United are reported to be in talks with Fulham over a move for Kevin Mbabu, with tuttomercatoweb claiming negotiations for the Swiss right-back are at an ‘advanced stage’.

READ MORE: United assess right-back move

The Italian outlet states that Serie A side Monza were hoping to sign Mbabu but the player is now allegedly set for a move to Old Trafford.

Mbabu only joined Fulham from Wolfsburg in the summer for an initial €5.5 million but the 27-year-old has made just one Premier League start so far this season.

United’s strange yet sensible business

While United were initially in the market for a right-back, a move for Mbabu would be surprising as the club had indicated they would proceed with their current options after the resurgent form of Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

Wan Bissaka was expected to leave United, with manager Erik ten Hag initially unconvinced by his credentials in attack, but the 25-year-old has fought his way back into contention in recent weeks after deputising for Diogo Dalot.

Pursuing Mbabu would also raise eyebrows due to the profile of the player being somewhat underwhelming given his seemingly outcast status at Fulham, however it would be in line with United’s current transfer policy.

As reported exclusively by FootballTransfers, United have been searching for ‘left-field’ transfer targets who would bring value to the team without breaking the bank after the club spent more than €200m in the summer.

EXCLUSIVE: United scouting 'left-field' options in the transfer market

Although the names United have brought in would be considered significantly of a lower reputation than one might expect, the club are looking to pivot away from a philosophy that saw them over pay for high profile players on costly contracts.

There is a belief at the club that they can achieve value in the market by looking at bringing in affordable players who can help the club reach their short-term goals before looking more long-term once again in the future.

As a result, while a move for Mbabu would be considered a shock, the profile of the player is one which United would be exploring as they look to bolster their squad for the second half of the season.