Manchester United Turned Down Chance To Sign Transfer Target In January

Manchester United were offered the option to buy one of their targets in the January transfer window, but decided to turn it down to help the next permanent manager.

It was an extremely quiet January window for United, despite the fact that they are far from guaranteed to finish inside the top four at the end of the season and qualify for next season's Champions League.

There were only outgoings at Old Trafford as Anthony Martial and Donny van de Beek joined Sevilla and Everton, respectively, though Jesse Lingard, Dean Henderson and Phil Jones remained at the club.

United were linked with several players, including a potential move for Amadou Haidara, and were one of many clubs rumoured to be interested in Ousmane Dembele.

However it seems like they'd never have signed anyone, as they even turned down one of their actual targets, in the shape of Marseille midfielder Boubacar Kamara.

Kamara has been linked with United. Image: PA Images

According to Fabrizio Romano, the decision was made as the club are waiting to give their next manager more money to invest in the squad.

"Manchester United were offered the opportunity to sign Boubacar Kamara in the last days of the window," Romano said on his 'Here We Go' podcast.

"They turned down this chance because they will invest more money for the new manager.

"They want to wait and see what’s best."

United's midfielders Scott McTominay and Fred have been criticised. Image: PA Images

The 22-year-old Frenchman can play in central midfield, with United's current pairing of Fred and Scott McTominay having been criticised several times.

Kamara's deal in the south of France expired at the end of the season and he would be available for free to United, and he can even sign a pre contract agreement.

However with Ralf Rangnick expected to move upstairs at the club, from the interim manager role, it seems that the new manager will get to decide if he's signed or not.

United are said to have a four man shortlist, with PSG's Mauricio Pochettino, Ajax's Erik ten Hag, Sevilla's Julen Lopetegui and Spain's Luis Enrique said to be in the frame.