Manager rubbishes Manchester United transfer rumour

Brighton and Hove Albion manager Graham Potter has rubbished recent Manchester United transfer rumours that have made the rounds.

Amidst the festive season, English football will witness the reopening of the transfer market on January 2nd. Agents representing different players will find themselves hovering here and there. Club managers will put in their shortlist of transfer targets with hopes of turning around their fortunes during the second half of the season. If needed, clubs will spend a fair amount of money despite being in the middle of a global pandemic. And the same would be happening at almost every club, including Manchester United.

Following a topsy-turvy start to the 2020-21 campaign, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has enjoyed a great run of results, especially in the away fixtures, of late. By the look of things, they might even be setting up for a title challenge. That might require a few more signings though.

A deal for Brighton and Hove Albion defensive midfielder Yves Bissouma is apparently what Manchester United are looking to strike down in the upcoming January transfer window.

Bissouma, 24, is a regular in Graham Potter’s side. The Mali international has made 13 league appearances this season thus far.

Reports believe that United have identified Bissouma as a long-term replacement for Nemanja Matic. Other than the Red Devils, Liverpool and AS Monaco are also keeping tabs on the midfielder.

Despite all these reports, Brighton manager Graham Potter believes that the rumours are not ‘true’, also clarifying that there has been no approach from any of their Premier League rivals regarding Bissouma.

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While asked about Bissouma’s future, Potter said according to the Daily Mail:

"“There have been no approaches. As I’ve said before, just because it’s in the newspaper, doesn’t necessarily mean it’s true.“My focus on Yves is how I can help him improve and I think he’s still got some improvement to do.“That’s my focus with him, to try and help him reach his full potential. He’s got some work to do yet, so that’s what we are focusing on.”"

The general understanding is that Manchester United will oversee more outgoings than incomings during the transfer market. And it will be interesting to see whether club do indeed end up going for Bissouma, as defensive midfield is an area that requires some reinforcements.