Pep Guardiola angered by Man United decision to agree personal terms with £100m superstar
Manchester United’s hunt for greater firepower out wide is becoming increasingly urgent, particularly if the team sticks with a traditional back four in the long term. Under Ruben Amorim, the tactical switch to a back three saw wing-backs take centre stage, prompting the club to move on from natural left wingers and instead prioritise attacking midfield reinforcements.
While Amad Diallo continues to shine on the right, there is a growing feeling that the opposite flank lacks the same spark and unpredictability. United, the 20-time English champions, had initially positioned themselves strongly in the race for Iliman Ndiaye, only to be firmly rebuffed as Everton F.C. made it clear their star man is not for sale this summer.
That setback has pushed the Old Trafford hierarchy to explore alternatives, and Yan Diomande of RB Leipzig has quickly risen to prominence on their shortlist. The young Ivorian has enjoyed a sensational first campaign in the Bundesliga, producing eight goals and six assists in just 18 starts across all competitions. Such output at his age has inevitably drawn attention from several Premier League heavyweights eager to lure him away from Germany.
Leipzig, aware of the mounting interest, have reportedly placed a hefty €100 million valuation on the teenager in a bid to deter suitors. Yet that figure has not discouraged United, who are said to view him as the final component needed to elevate their attacking unit to another level.
However, the race is far from straightforward. Reports indicate that Liverpool F.C. have stolen a march on their rivals after closely monitoring the 19-year-old for some time. The Merseyside club are believed to be ahead of not only United but also Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United in the pursuit.
Interestingly, Diomande has suggested in the past that Liverpool are not necessarily his dream destination. That revelation could hand United a crucial advantage if INEOS move decisively. With competition intensifying and the winger’s stock continuing to rise, this transfer battle could become one of the defining sagas of the 2026 window.
