EXCLUSIVE: Man Utd send scout to watch over two Real Sociedad stars - including Sancho replacement

Steve Kay

Updated: 22 Oct 2023 15:51 BST
3 min read

Erik ten Hag, Manchester United — © ProShots/FootballTransfers

Erik Ten Hag sent Manchester United scouts out to Spain on Saturday to watch Real Sociedad stars Martin Zubimendi and Takefusa Kubo, FootballTransfers is told.

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In the side’s La Liga match against Mallorca this afternoon, the head coach had sent out figures to keep a close eye on the game - with eyes on both players, sources have informed us.

We are told that the Dutchman now sees the defensive midfield position as a priority, with Zubimendi among the targets. This is to fill in for the drop in form of Casemiro, who will be 32 by the end of the season. Injuries to the Brazilian are also becoming far too frequent, leading to concern and a feeling that the club must bring in suitable cover.

The former Real Madrid wonderkid Kubo, who is also wanted by other elite European sides, and can play on either wing - and it is thought to be a straight replacement for Jadon Sancho, who looks certain to depart in January after having a public fallout with Ten Hag.

Will Man Utd sign Kubo?

© ProShots - Kubo puts his hands together

Real Madrid sold Kubo to his current side in a deal worth €6.5 million - while Los Blancos still retain a portion of the winger's playing rights.

READ: Who will be Man Utd's first victims of Ratcliffe and his 'no bull****' style?

Arsenal had registered an interest in Zubimendi over the summer window, but they eventually decided not to press ahead with the highly-rated Spaniard.

Ten Hag is currently facing selection issues in his team, with new recruit Sofyan Amrabat being forced to play as a left-back in recent games.

Scott McTominay rescued the team in their last game with two late goals to defeat Brentford before the international break - but it is thought that Ten Hag isn’t hugely keen on the Scotsman. McTominay seems likely to depart Old Trafford during the upcoming January transfer window.