Man Utd 'interested' in shock Premier League flop who left in January

Manchester United have been linked with a surprise move for a former Premier League star just hours after sealing Champions League qualification with a 3–2 win over rivals Liverpool.

Michael Carrick’s side booked their place in Europe’s top competition on Sunday thanks to goals from Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Šeško and Kobbie Mainoo, which cancelled out efforts from Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo for the visitors.

Despite ongoing uncertainty surrounding Carrick’s future, with the Englishman only contracted until the end of the season, there is a growing expectation that he will extend his stay at Old Trafford this summer. His record of ten wins from 14 Premier League matches has strengthened his case to remain in charge.

Should he stay on as United boss, Carrick will face a far more demanding campaign next season, with the club set to compete across four competitions. So far, he has only overseen Premier League fixtures, with United already eliminated from the domestic cups before his appointment in January.

With the increased workload in mind, the club are expected to strengthen their squad this summer, targeting improvements in both quality and depth ahead of a busy 2026/27 season.

Despite still having three league games remaining this term, planning for the summer transfer window appears to already be underway.

United register interest in Aston Villa flop

United are said to be one of three English clubs tracking former Aston Villa and current Roma forward Donyell Malen.

According to Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport, Newcastle United and Chelsea are also interested in the Dutch international.

Malen joined Villa in the summer of 2025 following an impressive spell at Borussia Dortmund, but struggled for regular minutes under Unai Emery and was largely limited to substitute appearances before sealing a loan move to Roma in January.

Since arriving in Italy, the 27-year-old has rediscovered his form, contributing 12 goals and two assists in just 16 appearances, with Roma currently sixth in Serie A.

Roma hold an option to make the deal permanent for a fee believed to be between £22 million and £30 million, although Malen may feel he has unfinished business after failing to make the desired impact during his time in the West Midlands.

Reports in Italy suggest Roma’s owners, the Friedkin Group, are expected to approve a permanent transfer this week.

Last week, Villa manager Emery appeared to all but confirm the move would be made permanent, despite interest from other clubs.

“Malen is an excellent player," he said. "Here he faced competition from [Ollie] Watkins, so he played less for that reason, and I thought he should play more as a striker. He sometimes played alongside Watkins, so I think he’s finding the perfect position at Roma and has played every game to show his qualities and score goals. I’m very happy for him because he’s also a good guy, and I hope he continues to score goals.

“It’s a loan with an option to buy, which Roma will exercise given his performances. For that reason, I’d like to say again that I’m very happy for him, because he’s a good guy and a good player."