INEOS Step Up Talks for £42M ‘Frightening’ Winger Who Could be Man Utd’s Next Rashford

Manchester United could be preparing for another major attacking move before the summer transfer window closes, with Paris Saint-Germain youngster Ibrahim Mbaye reportedly emerging as a serious target.

The Red Devils have already made changes to Michael Carrick’s squad this summer, but there is still plenty of work to do if United are serious about competing near the top of the Premier League.

United’s final pre-season match ended in a 4-2 defeat against AC Milan, showing that Carrick still has some problems to solve before the competitive campaign gets underway.

The defence needs more stability and the new midfield needs time to settle, but the attack could also receive another addition.

According to the report, Manchester United are in direct discussions with super-agent Jorge Mendes regarding a possible deal for Mbaye.

The 18-year-old PSG winger is reportedly valued at around £42m and is also attracting interest from Liverpool. For United, there is an obvious comparison with Marcus Rashford.

Rashford returned to action for United against Milan after a long absence from the club, but his future remains uncertain. If he eventually leaves Old Trafford again, Mbaye could potentially become the type of young attacker who helps fill that gap.

Marcus Rashford gives Carrick another decision

Rashford’s return was one of the biggest talking points from United’s final friendly.

The England international had not played for the club since December 2024, before his difficult relationship with Ruben Amorim led to his removal from the first-team picture.

He then spent last season on loan at Barcelona and enjoyed an excellent campaign.

Rashford scored 14 goals and registered 14 assists as Barcelona won La Liga, showing that his attacking ability has not disappeared.

However, his first appearance back at United was far less impressive. He came on after the hour mark against Milan and played 29 minutes.

Rashford managed 13 touches, completed eight of nine passes and recorded one successful dribble, but he did not create a chance or produce a shot.

That does not mean much on its own, since it was only a pre-season game, but his future remains one of the biggest questions in Carrick’s squad. If Rashford stays, Carrick will have another experienced attacking option.

If he leaves, United will need to find someone capable of adding pace, direct running and goals to the team.

That is where Mbaye becomes particularly interesting.

Ibrahim Mbaye could be United’s next young attacking star

Mbaye is still only 18, but he already has considerable experience at PSG. He became the youngest player in the club’s history to start a match and has made 42 appearances for the French giants.

That is impressive for a teenager competing for places at one of Europe’s strongest clubs. His biggest weapon is his speed.

Analyst Ben Mattinson has previously praised Mbaye’s frightening pace and his ability to carry the ball forward. That style could fit Manchester United very well.

Mbaye has mainly played from the right side for PSG, but his versatility allows him to operate across the attacking line.

That would give Carrick another flexible option rather than simply replacing one winger with another. The youngster also has an eye for goal.

He scored three times in 10 Ligue 1 starts last season, despite being at an early stage of his development.

There is clearly still plenty for him to learn, but his potential is enormous. His performances have also come on major stages.

During the World Cup group phase, Mbaye scored for France against Senegal, showing that he is not afraid of the big moment. That is something Rashford showed very early in his own career.

When Rashford broke into the United team in 2016, he scored twice on his debut against FC Midtjylland before scoring another two against Arsenal in his first Premier League appearance.

Interestingly, Carrick was captain of United when Rashford made that memorable Premier League breakthrough.

A decade later, Carrick could potentially be the manager who gives another teenage attacker the chance to make a similar impact.

Man Utd and Ibrahim Mbaye transfer details

United have a big decision to make

The potential Mbaye deal would not necessarily mean Rashford is definitely leaving.

United could decide to keep Rashford while also adding a younger player who can gradually develop into a major first-team option.

That may actually be the smarter route. Mbaye is only 18 and should not be expected to immediately replace a player who has scored more than 100 goals for Manchester United.

However, his profile is extremely exciting. He has the pace to stretch defences, the confidence to carry the ball and enough versatility to play in different attacking roles.

For a club trying to build for the future, that combination could be very valuable. The £42m price tag is obviously a major consideration.

Spending that much on an 18-year-old who has only made 10 Ligue 1 starts would carry a sizeable risk. But United are also at a stage where they need to think beyond short-term fixes.

If INEOS believe Mbaye has the potential to become a top-level Premier League attacker, they may see the investment as worthwhile.

There is also the possibility that Rashford’s situation could force the issue. If the England international receives a suitable offer and leaves Old Trafford, United would suddenly need another dynamic attacker.

Mbaye would then look like a much more obvious target. The comparison with a young Rashford is exciting, but United must be careful not to put unnecessary pressure on an 18-year-old.

Mbaye should be allowed to develop in his own way. Still, there is no denying that the profile fits what Manchester United need.

Carrick has inherited a squad that requires improvement, and another explosive attacker could give his team a completely different dimension.

If United can turn their reported discussions into a concrete agreement, Mbaye could become one of the most intriguing young signings of the summer.

And if Rashford does eventually walk away from Old Trafford, the timing of the move could make this transfer look even more significant.