Man Utd open talks to sign “young Sadio Mane” as £42m Amad upgrade

In the modern game, many football teams have started to trust youth to take them forward and produce the goods – as seen at Manchester United in recent years.

The Red Devils’ stellar academy has allowed countless players to make the jump into the senior ranks, with the likes of Kobbie Mainoo and Shea Lacey both starring at Old Trafford.

However, the managerial situation has also seen inexperienced options being rewarded, with former first-team member Michael Carrick handed his first taste of Premier League management.

The decision to hand the 44-year-old the job on a temporary basis has been a phenomenal one, as seen by the incredible tally of seven wins from his first ten games.

It remains to be seen if he will be handed the job permanently, but the hierarchy appear to be continuing the trend in putting faith in youth ahead of the summer transfer window.

Man Utd enter talks to sign young Bundesliga star

Over recent weeks, United have been named as just one of multiple Premier League clubs who are trying to complete a deal for RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande this summer.

The Ivorian international has set Germany’s top-flight alive during his debut campaign, as seen by his tally of 16 combined goals and assists in his 27 outings.

However, the Red Devils aren’t alone in their pursuit of the 19-year-old at present, with Liverpool and Chelsea just two other sides constantly monitoring his progress.

Despite the interest in Diomande’s services, he’s not the only talent in Germany’s top-flight in their sights, with Hoffenheim’s Bazoumana Toure another star in their sights.

According to CaughtOffside, the 20-year-old winger has already been the subject of talks from INEOS in recent weeks, with the view to a potential move during the off-season.

The report also states that Liverpool and Arsenal have also conducted groundwork over a potential deal, but it’s unclear if his current side will sanction a deal.

The German outfit have placed a €50m (£42m) asking price on the youngster’s head, with the Red Devils seeing him as technically gifted star to add further quality into the frontline.

Why Toure would be an upgrade on Amad for United

Spending big money on a young Ivorian in Europe hasn’t been alien to United in recent years, as seen by the £36m transfer to land Amad Diallo from Atalanta back in January 2021.

After various loan spells with the likes of Rangers and Sunderland, the 23-year-old became a first team regular in 2023, subsequently racking up 81 appearances in the last three years.

He’s featured in a variety of different roles, from a right-winger to a deeper lying wing-back role, often demonstrating excellent versatility despite his tender age.

However, despite registering 19 goal contributions last term, the attacker has struggled this campaign – subsequently being unable to match the heights he previously set for himself.

Amad currently sits on just two goals and two assists in his 26 games in 2025/26, with a move for Toure allowing the club to sign an upgrade on the current first-team star.

The transfer target has registered 10 combined goals and assists in the Bundesliga this season, with his underlying stats further showcasing why he’s an upgrade on his compatriot.

The Hoffenheim star, who’s been dubbed a “young Sadio Mane” by journalist Bence Bocsak, has created 1.7 chances and completed 1.5 crosses per 90 this campaign.

Whilst the aforementioned figures are both higher than the current United star, the comparison to the former Liverpool star demonstrates his talent – with the Senegalese star scoring 111 Premier League goals.

Toure has also completed 2.1 successful dribbles so far this term, doing so at a 45% success rate – which highlights his excellent ability to glide past the opposition.

Such tallies, combined with his chances created and successful crosses, could make him a huge asset for the Red Devils – potentially providing the likes of Benjamin Sesko with endless opportunities.

The Ivorian’s talents in the Bundesliga are further reflected in his incredible tally of 5.1 touches in the opposition box per 90 and 1.7 aerials won – with the latter ranking him in the top 5% of attackers in Germany.

£42m for a player of Toure’s quality would be yet another excellent piece of business for the Red Devils, with the 20-year-old having bags of time to improve down the line.

Replacing Amad, given his contributions last season, could prove to be an unpopular decision, but ultimately, his compatriot has been a bigger talent throughout 2025/26.

Competition for places is desperately needed if the club are to make the next step in the Premier League, with Toure providing exactly that with a move to Old Trafford this summer.