Manchester United's Transfer Strategy: Raum, Kroupi, and Zirkzee
Manchester United’s transfer window is drifting towards its final days, but the story around Old Trafford is anything but settled. Defensive reshaping, bold attacking calls and a rising talent attracting attention abroad are all in play as INEOS weighs up its next moves.
Raum stays on United’s radar
On the left side of defence, Manchester United are still keeping close tabs on David Raum.
The RB Leipzig full-back, who has just a year remaining on his contract in Germany, remains a live option for the club’s hierarchy, with TeamTALK reporting that the 26-year-old is still firmly in the thoughts of INEOS decision-makers.
United’s long-term left-back picture has been a recurring issue, and Raum’s profile — energetic, aggressive, and proven in the Bundesliga and at international level with Germany — continues to appeal. With his contract running down, the situation has the feel of an opportunity the club will at least keep warm as the window ticks towards its close.
McCoist’s bold call on Junior Kroupi
While United weigh up defensive targets, Ally McCoist has urged them to cast an eye further up the pitch.
The former Scotland striker believes Eli Junior Kroupi, currently at Bournemouth, is ready for a step into Champions League-chasing territory, despite the youngster being sidelined with a pre-season injury and expected to miss a significant spell.
Speaking to talkSPORT Bet, McCoist acknowledged how ambitious that sounds given Bournemouth’s rise.
“At this stage, it's crazy to say Junior Kroupi could play a level up, right? Because Bournemouth have been terrific, as have teams like Brighton, and they are more than capable of holding their own, as we've seen with Bournemouth winning at Arsenal and winning at Newcastle.
“I mean, Bournemouth fans are probably saying, ‘What's he talking about?’ But to go to the next level would be to play for maybe a top four or top five team and play Champions League football.
“In my opinion, he absolutely would not look out of place at a team like Manchester United. I'm more than comfortable with that. He’d be a smart signing.”
An injured forward being touted for a move to Old Trafford is hardly a conventional recommendation, but McCoist’s backing underlines how highly Kroupi is rated. Whether United act on that admiration in this window is another matter entirely.
Feyenoord circle for Chido Obi
While potential signings are discussed, one of United’s own prospects could be heading out.
Chido Obi, who arrived from Arsenal in 2024, is attracting interest from Feyenoord. The young Dane has made only a handful of senior appearances and has struggled to carve out a consistent role under Michael Carrick.
That lack of minutes has opened the door for a possible loan, with reports in the Netherlands suggesting Feyenoord are keen to bring him in. For United, a temporary move could offer the regular first-team football he has yet to find in Manchester, while giving them a clearer picture of his long-term ceiling.
Zirkzee pushes for Old Trafford exit
The most immediate flashpoint, though, concerns Joshua Zirkzee.
The Dutch forward, signed in 2024 amid real excitement about his potential, wants to leave Manchester United before Tuesday’s deadline. According to The Daily Mail, Zirkzee expects a move to be completed before the window shuts, with Carrick not viewing him as part of his core plans.
His time at Old Trafford has stalled rather than exploded. The talent that tempted United in the first place is still there, but the breakthrough never truly arrived, and the club now looks ready to cash in if the right offer lands on the table.
Interest is not in short supply. Aston Villa are understood to be leading the chase within the Premier League, while Napoli, Juventus and Roma have all been linked on the continent. For Zirkzee, it feels like a pivotal crossroads: stay and fight for minutes in a system that doesn’t fully suit him, or jump now and rebuild his trajectory elsewhere.
United, meanwhile, must decide how bold they want to be in reshaping this squad in the final days: double down on youth loans, cash in on a frustrated striker, and move for a contract-running-down left-back — or hold their nerve and wait for a different market to come.
