Man Utd miss out on World Cup star despite Steve McClaren recommendation

Manchester United have missed out on signing Croatian defender Josip Juranovic after he agreed to join Union Berlin - despite Steve McClaren reportedly recommending him at Old Trafford.

The 27-year-old sparkled on the world stage in Qatar, helping his side to a third-placed finish at the World Cup, and gaining plenty of admirers along the way - most notably Erik ten Hag's assistant Steve McLaren.

According to transfer journalist Dean Jones (via Football Transfer Tavern), McClaren urged Ten Hag to consider Juranovic as a potential signing in January.

Chelsea were also thought to interested in signing him as cover for the injured Reece James, whilst Barcelona and Atletico Madrid were reportedly keeping tabs on him.

However, the Celtic player has opted to move to join Bundesliga side Union Berlin for a fee in the region of £10million, report Sky Sports.

The Red Devils are thought to be on the lookout for a right-back, with competition needed for Diogo Dalot.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka's time looked to be up at Old Trafford, but recent performances have earned him the manager's trust - with Ten Hag now thought to want to keep the 26-year-old at the club.

Ten Hag's transfer plans

Journalist Fabrizio Romano has updated fans on Erik ten Hag's transfer plans, discussing Wan-Bissaka's future in Manchester.

Romano said on his YouTube channel: “On the right-back situation, there is an important update. Aaron Wan-Bissaka now has a very good chance to stay at Manchester United. In November and December, he was available on the market after a difficult first part of the season. Now the feeling is the opposite.

“They were considering some options from around Europe, including Josip Juranovic from Celtic. But at the moment Man United are focusing on Wan-Bissaka as a player to provide competition for Diogo Dalot.

“So Wan-Bissaka could stay and Man United will look for creative signings in the final days of the window if something will be available, otherwise they will stay with the current squad.”