Man Utd ready to hijack Liverpool transfer as eight clubs join race for 'phenomenon'

Manchester United could hijack a deal for one of Liverpool's top targets with almost two weeks left until the transfer window shuts.

United's summer can be regarded as a slow burner so far, completing just three new signings ahead of their return to the Champions League.

Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans arrived to reinforce Michael Carrick's midfield from Chelsea and Aston Villa, respectively, while Karl Darlow joined on a free transfer from Leeds United.

Carrick has spoken publicly about his desire to add more quality and depth to his squad before the window slams shut, and he's prioritising a new left-back and third central midfielder.

Meanwhile, with Marcus Rashford's future at Old Trafford hanging in the balance, there is a chance the Red Devils could sign another left-sided attacker ahead of the September 1 deadline.

According to reports, Rashford prefers to depart United this summer after enjoying a productive loan spell at Barcelona last season, chipping in with 28 goal involvements in all competitions.

But as it stands, the Englishman looks set to compete with Matheus Cunha and Patrick Dorgu for a place on the left flank after making his first appearance for the club since December 2024 on Saturday.

He came off the bench for Dorgu in the final 30 minutes during their disappointing 4-2 defeat against AC Milan and will hope to feature next weekend when United open their Premier League campaign against Hull City.

Man United want Liverpool target Ibrahim Mbaye

Should United manage to shift Rashford's £350k-per-week wage this summer, INEOS may have already identified a replacement for their academy graduate.

Earlier this week, it was reported that United had enquired about the availability of Paris Saint-Germain winger Ibrahim Mbaye, who has been strongly linked with a move to Liverpool this summer.

The Reds want to sign both Mbaye and top target Bradley Barcola, but they would have to spend around €200 million (£171m) — a number deemed to be too much for the Anfield hierarchy.

READ NEXT: Man Utd line up 'expensive' surprise signing in brutal transfer blow for Liverpool

Crucially, Mbaye is open to leaving the Parc des Princes in pursuit of regular first-team football, as competition for places in Luis Enrique's attack is even stronger following Ferran Torres' big-money arrival from Barcelona.

That is why Spanish outlet AS are now reporting that eight clubs have asked about the 18-year-old's availability, with Bayern Munich, Porto, Leipzig, Leverkusen, Dortmund, Roma, and Aston Villa joining the two Premier League giants in the race for his signature.

Widely regarded as one of the most promising wingers in Europe, Mbaye has been labelled a "phenomenon" by former Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw after bursting onto the scene at PSG.

“His potential for improvement is enormous. He’s already won many trophies. At 17, I was playing in the Gambardella Cup. He’s a phenomenon who’s at an excellent club with a very good coach," Thiaw said of his talents last year.

The fleet-footed teenager made 28 appearances for the French giants in all competitions last term, scoring four goals, and would reportedly cost in excess of €50 million (£42.7m).

Mbaye has also made it clear that he would prefer a move to a Champions League club, making Liverpool and Manchester United desirable options for the Senegalese speedster to continue his development.

Indeed, interest from United presents the opportunity for INEOS to hijack Liverpool's advances for the winger, as a fascinating eight-club transfer tug-of-war is on the cards.