Man Utd plot move for versatile World Cup final star praised by Thierry Henry

Manchester United are considering a move to sign Eintracht Frankfurt and France forward Randal Kolo Muani, according to a new report.

United are in the market for attacking reinforcements during the January window, something confirmed by boss Erik ten Hag last month.

Kolo Muani was one of the surprise stars of the latter stages of the World Cup, having been a late call-up to the squad following an injury to Christopher Nkunku shortly before the tournament kicked off.

The forward came off the bench to score France's second goal in the semi-final against Morocco, before he was called upon as a 41st-minute substitute during the World Cup final against Argentina.

Kolo Muani was one of the most impressive France players on the pitch as they forced the game into extra time, and then almost won it when his close range effort was saved by Emiliano Martinez.

He earned his call-up off the back of his performances for Frankfurt, the club he joined in the summer from Nantes.

He was praised by Thierry Henry in 2021 during his time at Nantes, with the Arsenal legend comparing him to former Gunners team-mate Nwankwo Kanu.

The 24-year-old has five goals and nine assists from 14 Bundesliga games this season, as well as two goals in six Champions League group stage fixtures.

Now, United are reportedly keen on securing his signature.

Man Utd 'interested in Kolo Muani'

According to French outlet L'Equipe, the Old Trafford club are interested in signing the forward, and are said to be planning a €60 million move.

As a versatile attacker - he can play centrally and out wide, as evidenced during the World Cup - Kolo Muani could be the ideal solution for Ten Hag and the Red Devils as they look to add to their squad.

However, United may run into two major hurdles. One of those is, as per the same source, that the player allegedly prefers a move to Bayern Munich, in the summer, if he was to leave Frankfurt.

In addition, a report from the Daily Mail claims that United are initially only looking at loan deals in January, meaning the fee required to sign Kolo Muani's value may be deemed too steep at this stage by club chiefs.

It could be, therefore, that United elect to complete a move for the forward in the summer. They have been linked with sealing a temporary deal for Atletico Madrid star Joao Felix in January, although the Spanish club are reportedly demanding a €21m fee, including salary, as per The Athletic.