Manchester United are reportedly considering a January move for Leeds United striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, a player who has previously impressed Harry Maguire. With ongoing problems in attack, the Red Devils are looking to strengthen their frontline when the transfer window opens in two months.
The 29-year-old has been on Manchester United's radar for some time and, according to The Athletic, recruitment staff are trying to establish whether a move for him is possible. Maguire would likely welcome the prospect of playing alongside Calvert-Lewin, having spoken highly of the striker during his time at Everton.
Maguire's praise for the striker
Back in 2021, the former United captain warned his team-mates about the threat posed by the England international ahead of a clash against the Toffees. "I know Dom from our time with England and he's very physical and a handful," Maguire said. "We'll need to be right on our game to keep him quiet."
Calvert-Lewin scored 16 Premier League goals that season, the best return of his career. He struggled to maintain those standards during the final years of his Everton spell, but has rediscovered his goalscoring touch since joining Leeds in 2025.
Calvert-Lewin's recent form
The striker netted 14 times in 35 league appearances during the 2025/26 campaign and has already scored four goals this season, including one against Manchester United earlier this month. By contrast, United's primary No. 9, Benjamin Sesko, has scored just one Premier League goal this season and only three in the competition since mid-March.
The Slovenian joined from RB Leipzig in a £70million deal last year but has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter. Instead, manager Michael Carrick has preferred using Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha as makeshift centre forwards. With Sesko also sidelined by a shin injury until the New Year, United are short of options in attack.
Other targets and the rivalry factor
Other names reportedly on their shortlist include Jean-Philippe Mateta, Igor Matanovic and Victor Osimhen. Marcus Rashford is another potential option, although the England international has predominantly been deployed on the left wing. Calvert-Lewin, however, appears to be emerging as a leading candidate, with United's interest in the Leeds forward having gathered momentum ahead of the January window.
A move would be particularly sensitive given the historic rivalry between Leeds United and Manchester United. Players switching between the two clubs have rarely been welcomed by supporters, with Eric Cantona, Rio Ferdinand and Alan Smith among those to have made the controversial move in the past.
Leeds currently sit nine places and four points above Manchester United in the Premier League table. United head into the weekend down in 16th, just one point clear of the relegation zone, while Leeds occupy seventh spot and are only four points adrift of the Champions League places.
