Man Utd scouts watch 19 y/o Fenerbahce ace hooked at half time in defeat

INEOS sent scouts to watch a Europa League tie on Thursday, as Manchester United eye a 19-year-old defender who struggled and was substituted at half time.

Man Utd plan attacking transformation in summer transfer window

There are a number of positions that the Red Devils need to strengthen this summer, but none more important than the forward line, as the lack of goals has become a real issue in the last two seasons.

Rasmus Hojlund continues to lead the line for United, but the Denmark international has struggled all season to find his scoring touch, as the games without a goal continue to stretch. Therefore, it is no surprise to see the Premier League side looking to sign a new striker, and according to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Man United have expressed an interest in signing Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig.

With a release clause worth £66 million and competition from the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool, United may need to sell a few players before this deal can happen or focus on alternative targets.

In addition to looking at Sesko, United are also looking to improve their wide options and are planning to make a £25 million bid to sign Geovany Quenda

from Sporting. United are said to have already agreed personal terms with the 17-year-old, so they are now planning to make a formal offer, as Ruben Amorim looks to reunite with one of his former players.

Man Utd send scouts to watch Fenerbahce defender Akcicek

The Red Devils also want to improve their defence, and according to Turkish journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu, relayed by Sport Witness, Man United had scouts watching Fenerbahce defender Yusuf Akçiçek in action on Thursday evening.

The report states that the Red Devils are keeping an eye on Akcicek, who has been a regular for Fenerbahçe this season. The Turkish giants were defeated 3-1 at home by Rangers on Thursday, as Akcicek was hooked at half time while 2-1 down having registered zero tackles, interceptions, blocks or clearances on the left of a back three.

The Turkey under-19 international made his senior debut for Fenerbahçe last season, but this 2024/25 campaign he has become an important figure in José Mourinho’s team. Akcicek has now played 14 times in all competitions, six of which have come in the Europa League, and he did complete 40 out of 42 pass attempts on Thursday, highlighting some impressive ball-playing traits.

Akcicek is under contract until 2028, but an offer from United could tempt Fenerbahçe into a sale, and with Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans both expected to leave Old Trafford come the end of the season, younger replacements will come in.

Signing Akcicek fits into United’s desire to sign the top young players in football, and his arrival alongside Leny Yoro could be exciting for the Premier League team.