Manchester United have identified West Ham United's El Hadji Malick Diouf as a potential summer target as they look to bolster their left-back options. The 21-year-old Senegal international joined West Ham from Slavia Prague for €22m (£19m) last summer and has impressed after a difficult start to life in English football.
Diouf's improvement and United's interest
Diouf's defensive performances have improved significantly in the second half of the season, while his crossing ability has added an extra dimension to his attacking play. United are monitoring his progress closely, with a view to bringing in competition for Luke Shaw. At least one other leading Premier League club has also expressed interest in the left-back.
West Ham are currently battling relegation, sitting just two points above the drop zone with four games remaining. Their negotiating position could be weakened if they fail to stay up, as the club posted losses of £104.2m for the year ending 31 May 2025 and may need to sell players to improve their financial position. Crysencio Summerville and Mateus Fernandes are also expected to attract interest.
United's midfield priorities
United's primary focus this summer remains strengthening their midfield, with the club targeting two new additions. Names on their shortlist include Atalanta's Éderson, Newcastle's Sandro Tonali, and Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson, who is also wanted by Manchester City. If funds remain after addressing the midfield, United will then look at their left flank options.
Signing a left-winger is a possibility, but an alternative could be bringing in a defensive player. With Patrick Dorgu able to play in a more advanced role and potentially compete for a spot on the wing, the focus could turn to a defender who can compete with Shaw. United's other left-back options include Tyrell Malacia, who has made only two appearances this season, and right-footed duo Noussair Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot.
Shaw has had a good season but has a patchy injury record, and the 30-year-old's workload will need to be managed carefully next season, especially with United expected to be in the Champions League. Quality depth will be essential for competing at the highest level in Europe, and Diouf, who is expected to represent Senegal at the World Cup, has potential and could be eased in gradually.
Mainoo signs new contract until 2031
Meanwhile, Manchester United have secured the long-term future of midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, who has signed a new contract until June 2031. The 21-year-old will earn a basic salary of around £120,000 per week. Mainoo has impressed since interim manager Michael Carrick gave him his first league start of the season in a 2-0 win over Manchester United on 17 January. This came after Mainoo lost his first-team place under former head coach Ruben Amorim, who was sacked that month.
Mainoo said: "Manchester United has always been my home – this special club means everything to my family. We can all feel the momentum building inside the club. I am determined to step up and play my role in helping Manchester United to regularly fight for major trophies."
Jason Wilcox, the director of football, added: "We are delighted that Kobbie has extended his stay here and have full confidence that he will develop into one of the best players in the world, ready to play a pivotal role in a Manchester United team challenging for the biggest honours."
