- Manchester United eye up Monaco star
- Winger idolised Paul Pogba
- He would cost United upwards of £40 million
Manchester United have reportedly widened their search as they explore every avenue to reinforce their attacking depth this summer. Their attention has now shifted towards Maghnes Akliouche, the standout talent from AS Monaco.
The Frenchman has steadily built his reputation at the club, and Monaco are expected to demand upwards of £40 million.
Akliouche has also begun to establish himself on the international stage, earning seven caps over the past year as he pushes to secure his place in the FIFA World Cup squad for the tournament in the United States.
Akliouche Idolised Pogba
During the World Cup qualifiers in September last year—when Akliouche received his first call-up—the Monaco winger spoke about the players who shaped him growing up, and the role his new teammate Paul Pogba has played in his development.
Akliouche told L’Equipe: “[Role] models, I have a lot of them. [Zinedine] Zidane, [Thierry] Henry, there are really a lot of them. Paul Pogba too, who is now in the team at Monaco, and he helps me a lot.
“Paul [Pogba] gave me a lot of advice before I arrived, and that helped me a lot in that regard.”
This was not the first time Akliouche had spoken glowingly about the former United midfielder.
On 29 November 2025, after AS Monaco secured a statement 1-0 home win over champions Paris Saint-Germain—courtesy of a Takumi Minamino strike—Akliouche again made a point of crediting Paul Pogba, who entered the pitch in the 86th minute for just his second appearance for Monaco.
“It’s truly a pleasure to play with him after everything he has achieved in football. We are happy to have him with us.”
Manchester United Interest
According to Football Insider, United are eyeing a new attacker, and Akliouche is linked. The young French star is one of the most exciting talents in his homeland and is expected to join a European powerhouse sooner rather than later.
How high up on INEOS’ wishlist the versatile youngster is remains to be seen. But he could be a target once the club starts replacing Casemiro and potentially signs a new centre-back.
Akliouche has two years left on his contract with Monaco which does potentially help if the Reds pursue his signature. The Ligue 1 club won’t want him to enter the last year of his contract.
Could Akliouche Fit In?
While £40 million does not stretch far in the current market, questions remain over whether Manchester United will allocate further funds towards another attacker.
The need for added depth across the frontline still exists, but last summer’s £211 million outlay on Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo has already heavily reinforced that area.
This window, the priority shifts decisively towards midfield.
With Casemiro set to depart and Ugarte potentially following, United must direct their investment into rebuilding the core of the side.
Akliouche is a player for the future; there is no doubt in that. If Manchester United finds enough money during the summer, he could be a potentially amazing pick-up.
