Man Utd could launch third raid to sign ‘leader’ and partner in crime for Kobbie Mainoo

Manchester United could raid Bayern Munich for a third time this summer after long-time target Leon Goretzka was put up for sale. Two of Erik ten Hag’s four signings this summer – Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui – have already been bought from the German giants.

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Bayern will make it clear to Goretzka that he will not be a regular starter under new manager Vincent Kompany this season. That has led to speculation that the Bundesliga runners-up may look to cash in on the 29-year-old.

While there has been no reported interest from United yet, this could change as the Red Devils are currently in the market for a player of Goretzka’s profile to partner Kobbie Mainoo in central-midfield. Ten Hag’s current midfield options include Mainoo, Scott McTominay, the injury-blighted Mason Mount and the ageing duo of Christian Eriksen and Casemiro.

Goretzka, who is in his prime, would add dynamism to the United midfield and versatility with his ability to play both in a three-man midfield and in a double pivot. If United were to secure Goretzka’s signature, he would follow his recently-departed team-mates Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui, who joined the Old Trafford club for a combined fee of over £50million last week.

The move may not be a straightforward one, however, due to the player’s repeated declarations of loyalty to Bayern Munich and his affection for the city. The German international may be forced out if a substantial bid is tabled as Bayern look to profit from him before his contract ends in 2026.

United are also eyeing other midfielders, including Burnley’s Sander Berge and PSG’s Manuel Ugarte. Yet Goretzka remains a long-standing target at Old Trafford, with reports last summer and towards the backend of last year claiming United “never lost focus on Goretzka” following his diminished role under then-Bayern coach Thomas Tuchel.

Since joining Bayern in 2019 at the age of 22, Goretzka has grappled with injuries and fluctuating game time due to constant managerial changes. Nevertheless, he was instrumental in Bayern’s sextuple triumph in the 2019/20 season. Last term proved particularly fruitful for Goretzka as he made 42 appearances in all competitions, netting six goals and providing 11 assists.

Kompany’s brutal stance on Goretzka also comes just 12 months after club chief Christoph Freund branded him a dressing room leader, saying: “Leon is an absolute top player, which he has consistently proven at the highest level over many years. In the past few weeks, he has shown strong performances in various positions, playing with a broken hand – that shows his great mentality. Leon is a leader who always leads the way on the pitch and takes responsibility even in difficult situations.”

Still, Ugarte remains the prime target for United and they are keen to land him if PSG lower their demands. It’s also understood that a bid has been placed for Burnley’s Berge, though the Daily Mail report that it fell short of their £30m valuation.