Man Utd 'plotting shock move' to sign ex-Aston Villa winger Anwar El Ghazi

Manchester United are considering a shock move to sign former Aston Villa and Everton winger Anwar El Ghazi on a free transfer, according to a new report.

United have several issues on the right side of attack, with uncertainty over the future of Jadon Sancho after his public dispute with Erik ten Hag earlier this month.

Antony, meanwhile, is taking a mutually agreed 'period of absence' from the club in order to address allegations of domestic violence made against him by his ex-partner. The Brazilian winger has repeatedly denied the allegations.

United take on Brighton at Old Trafford on Saturday, and may have to do so without both players in contention to play.

Youngster Facundo Pellistri is another option to play on the right side of attack, but he has yet to make a Premier League start for the club. Mason Mount, meanwhile, who played in the role at Chelsea, may not be fully fit in time as he recovers from a hamstring problem.

United have shown a penchant for left-field, short-term transfer solutions in the past, with Ten Hag bringing in Wout Weghorst on loan from Burnley last January.

They are now reportedly turning to another surprise option.

Man Utd 'considering shock move' for El Ghazi

According to the Daily Mail, United are weighing up a move to sign El Ghazi.

The winger, 28, left PSV last week after the club terminated his contract by mutual consent, meaning he is free to sign for another club outside of the transfer window.

Fans of English football, though, will potentially recognise the Netherlands international more for his spell at Aston Villa, where he scored 20 goals in 102 games across the Championship and Premier League.

El Ghazi netted a career-high 10 goals in 28 Premier League matches in 2020/21, but fell out of favour and was sent out on loan to Everton in 2022, where he played just two games.

He netted eight goals in the Eredivisie after joining PSV last term, but is now on the lookout for a new club.

He has never played under Ten Hag, but did leave Ajax months prior to the manager's arrival in 2017.

The Daily Mail claim El Ghazi was present at the Emirates Stadium to watch United's 3-1 defeat against Arsenal, but could have a pitchside view next time he watches Ten Hag's side despite reported offers from Saudi Arabia.