Transfer Centre

Manchester United 'decided against Dayot Upamecano signing after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer request'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 19 February 2021

Manchester United decided against moving for Dayot Upamecano as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants a left-footed centre-back to join the club, according to a report.

Manchester United reportedly decided against moving for Dayot Upamecano as the club's head coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants a left-footed centre-back to arrive at Old Trafford this summer.

The Red Devils were strongly linked with the France international before it was confirmed that Bayern Munich had agreed a deal to sign him from RB Leipzig.

According to ESPN, the 22-year-old was of interest to United, but Solskjaer's desire to sign a left-footed centre-back means that the 20-time English champions did not seriously pursue the Frenchman.

Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof have been the team's first-choice partnership for much of the season, but the pair are both right-footed and have struggled for consistency during the 2020-21 campaign.

Sevilla's Jules Kounde is thought to be a leading transfer target for United, with Solskjaer being informed that the club are prepared to spend big on a new defender ahead of next season.

The 20-time English champions will be looking to build on Thursday's 4-0 win over Real Sociedad when they face Newcastle United in the Premier League on Sunday night.