United Target Mbaye Amid £43m Bid Battle with Liverpool

Manchester United have formally joined the pursuit of Ibrahim Mbaye, the 18-year-old Senegalese winger currently under contract with Paris Saint-Germain until 2028. The Red Devils are now competing directly with Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund for his signature.

Last season, head coach Michael Carrick deployed Matheus Cunha and Patrick Dorgu on the left flank — a position neither player specializes in. Though Dorgu, a 21-year-old Dane, impressed in that role and is expected to receive increased minutes under Carrick, the manager still seeks a dedicated left winger.

Carrick has extended an invitation to Marcus Rashford to join the squad’s training camp in the Republic of Ireland as part of broader squad planning. Yet the club’s long-term solution remains unresolved, especially given INEOS’s stated intent to offload several players and the limited depth at wide positions.

Ibrahim Mbaye’s profile and availability

Should a senior departure occur, Carrick would be left relying on Dorgu, Brazilian midfielder Cunha, and two academy prospects — Tynan Thompson and Enzo Kana-Biyik. That scarcity prompted Manchester United to identify Mbaye as a priority target, according to L’Equipe.

Mbaye is capable of playing on either flank and is noted for his explosive pace and technical trickery — attributes aligned with Carrick’s preferred style of play.

The winger has made 42 professional appearances for PSG and is reportedly open to departing his boyhood club at age 18. He sought a more prominent role in Luis Enrique’s squad this season but now believes regular first-team football is no longer attainable at Parc des Princes.

European clubs intensify interest

PSG anticipated a busy summer for Mbaye and had been aware for several months that multiple elite European clubs were preparing offers. Within weeks, several continental giants moved forward — some with concrete proposals.

Bundesliga suitors include Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig, and Bayer Leverkusen. In England, Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Chelsea have all entered the race.

Liverpool and Dortmund lead early talks

Among those clubs, Liverpool and Dortmund currently stand out as the two most advanced in negotiations. Both have already presented their respective project visions to Mbaye in efforts to secure his commitment.

The transfer fee is estimated at £43 million — a sum INEOS is reported to be prepared to meet. Whether Manchester United can overtake Liverpool in the race remains uncertain.

Mbaye is described as a raw talent. His developmental trajectory and the urgency of United’s need may yet prompt Carrick to pivot toward a more experienced alternative.