Manchester United eyes PSG’s Randal Kolo Muani in a €70m bid, as questions arise over Joshua Zirkzee’s future at old Strafford.

Manchester United are preparing to go all out with a bold €70 million offer for Paris Saint-Germain striker Randal Kolo Muani, as concerns grow about the impact of summer signing Joshua Zirkzee. With Kolo Muani’s future at PSG in doubt, United is keen to bolster its attacking options, setting the stage for a potential high-profile transfer.

United’s focus on Kolo Muani has intensified after the striker’s underwhelming season at PSG. Despite his enormous €95 million move to Paris from Eintracht Frankfurt in 2023, Kolo Muani has not lived up to the expectations placed on him following his stellar performances in the Bundesliga. The French forward, known for his pace, versatility, and ability to play both centrally and out wide, has struggled to cement a regular starting spot under PSG manager Luis Enrique. The Spaniard has often preferred using Goncalo Ramos or Desire Doue in attack, further limiting Kolo Muani’s opportunities.

This opens the door for United to strike. Manager Erik ten Hag is reportedly eager to add more experience to his front line, especially after Zirkzee’s inconsistent performances since his arrival at Old Trafford. While Zirkzee scored the winner in United’s opening Premier League match against Fulham, his form has since dipped, prompting speculation that he could depart as early as January. Italian giants Juventus and AC Milan are both said to be monitoring the Dutchman and if a suitable offer comes in, United may be willing to let him go.

Zirkzee’s uncertain future has only increased United’s urgency in the transfer market. The club’s hierarchy is willing to pay around €70 million to secure Kolo Muani’s signature, believing that such an offer could tempt PSG into parting ways with the Frenchman. PSG are reportedly open to offers for the 25-year-old, as they seek to recoup much of the €95 million they paid for him just over a year ago. Despite being part of PSG’s “new generation” alongside players like Ousmane Dembélé and Bradley Barcola, Kolo Muani has failed to deliver consistent performances, leading to speculation that the club could cash in on him to fund other transfers.

For United, Kolo Muani represents a proven talent with significant upside. His blistering pace, combined with his ability to stretch defences, makes him an attractive prospect for Ten Hag, who has been looking to add more dynamism to his attack. Kolo Muani’s ability to play across the front three also provides tactical flexibility, something United have lacked in recent months.

But questions remain. Why would PSG be willing to let Kolo Muani go so soon after investing heavily in him? Fans will undoubtedly wonder if United are taking a risk on a player who has struggled to find form in Ligue 1. Nonetheless, United are hopeful that a change of scenery, along with Ten Hag’s coaching, could help the French international rediscover the form that made him one of the most sought-after players in Europe during his time at Eintracht Frankfurt.

Meanwhile, the Red Devils are not only focused on their striker situation. With both Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia suffering long-term injuries, United are considering a move for Chelsea’s out-of-favour left-back Ben Chilwell. England International has fallen down on the pecking order at Stamford Bridge under new manager Enzo Maresca, and United believes they could strike a favourable deal for him in January. Chilwell’s experience and versatility would provide much-needed depth at left-back, a position where United have been severely short this season.

In addition, reports have emerged that should Ten Hag face the sack, former Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain manager Thomas Tuchel could be lined up as a replacement. If Tuchel were to take over at Old Trafford, his first signing might well be Barcelona’s highly-rated centre-back Ronald Araújo. United have long been admirers of Araújo, but have yet to make a concrete bid. However, Tuchel’s arrival could reignite interest in the Uruguayan, with an €80 million offer potentially on the table.

For now, though, all eyes are on United’s pursuit of Kolo Muani. The Frenchman, who has 23 caps for France, could be the key to unlocking a misfiring United attack, and the club are willing to pay big to bring him to Old Trafford. With Zirkzee’s future in doubt and Kolo Muani eager to prove himself, the January transfer window could be a pivotal moment in United’s season.

As transfer talks heat up, United fans will be hoping that Kolo Muani can bring the kind of firepower needed to turn their season around and propel them back to the top of English football.