Transfer Centre

Manchester United 'weighing up loan move for Mauro Icardi'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 20 December 2023

Manchester United consider making a loan offer for Galatasaray forward Mauro Icardi during the January transfer window, according to a report.

Manchester United are reportedly considering moving for Galatasaray forward Mauro Icardi during the January transfer window.

Scott McTominay is the English club's leading goalscorer this season with six, while Bruno Fernandes and Rasmus Hojlund have netted five each for Erik ten Hag's side in 2023-24.

Hojlund is yet to get off the mark in the Premier League, though, while Marcus Rashford has only scored twice during a disappointing campaign, and it is understood that Ten Hag is desperate to bring a new forward to the club next month, especially with Anthony Martial's contract due to expire next June.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe's arrival as a minority shareholder is expected to be confirmed at some stage next month, but Man United are working to a strict budget due to Financial Fair Play, so there are unlikely to be huge funds available during the January market.

According to FootballTransfers, the Red Devils are seriously considering a loan move for Icardi, with the Argentine impressing during his time in Turkey.

Galatasaray's Mauro Icardi celebrates scoring their second goal with Dries Mertens on February 5, 2023 © Reuters

The 30-year-old spent the 2022-23 campaign on loan at Galatasaray from Paris Saint-Germain, scoring 23 goals in 26 appearances for the club before joining on a permanent basis last July.

Icardi has 17 goals in 25 appearances for his Turkish team this season, while he has also contributed six assists.

The forward was on the scoresheet in Galatasaray's 3-2 win over Man United at Old Trafford in the group stage of this season's Champions League, while he has also had impressive scoring records at Inter Milan and PSG.

The South American managed 121 goals in 217 appearances for Inter, while he scored 38 times for PSG in 92 outings before leaving for a new challenge.

Mauro Icardi in action for Paris Saint-Germain in December 2021 © Reuters

Icardi is said to be open to a move to the Premier League, with Man United allegedly considering loaning him for the second half of the season, but there could be a purchase option included in the deal.

Man United's coaching staff are said to have been impressed by Icardi in the two Champions League meetings between the two teams this season.

The Red Devils have only managed 18 goals in their 17 Premier League matches this season, which is the lowest in the top 14.

Only Sheffield United (12), Burnley (16), Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest and Luton Town (17) have netted fewer times in England's top flight this term than Man United.

As a result, a new forward is seen as a priority for Ten Hag's side, and Stuttgart's Serhou Guirassy has also been linked with a switch to Old Trafford.