Manchester United have been handed a fresh Ibrahim Mbaye transfer opening after Paris Saint-Germain left the €50million-rated winger out of their latest matchday squad.
United have already asked PSG about the 18-year-old as Michael Carrick’s side continue assessing opportunities before the transfer window closes.
Mbaye’s situation has now become significantly more interesting after he was omitted from PSG’s squad for the Trophée des Champions clash with Lens.
Ibrahim Mbaye omission gives Man Utd fresh transfer encouragement
Mbaye was not included in Luis Enrique’s 20-man squad, despite having featured during PSG’s pre-season preparations.
His absence came alongside Bradley Barcola, another winger whose future in Paris has attracted considerable transfer speculation.
When Enrique was subsequently asked about the pair, he refused to address their situations individually.
However, the PSG manager did make his wider stance clear, explaining that players who are not happy with their role should look for another solution.
That does not confirm Mbaye is leaving Paris.
But it strengthens the possibility that PSG could sanction a departure if the teenager wants more regular football.
United have already had a close look at Mbaye this summer.
The Senegal international scored PSG’s goal during the 1-1 pre-season draw with Manchester United, providing Carrick with a first-hand demonstration of his pace and ability to attack space.
€50m price gives Man Utd a major decision
Spanish outlet AS reported earlier this month that United were among several European clubs to have contacted PSG over Mbaye.
PSG value the winger at more than €50m, although a loan has also been discussed because of the intense competition for attacking places in Paris.
Mbaye must currently compete with players including Ousmane Dembélé, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Désiré Doué for minutes.
That creates the real United opportunity.
Carrick does not desperately need another starting winger, but signing one of Europe’s highest-rated teenagers before his value rises further would fit United’s increasingly aggressive approach towards elite young talent.
The equation has now changed again.
United’s enquiry was interesting when Mbaye’s PSG pathway merely looked crowded.
Being left out altogether, followed by Enrique publicly opening the door for unhappy players to seek solutions, makes the coming days considerably more important.
