Report: Man United considering move to sign La Liga forward

Man United Eye Mikel Oyarzabal Transfer After Spain Mission

Manchester United have reportedly sent representatives to Spain for a dual scouting mission, as the club looks to strengthen their attacking options in January. According to TeamTalk, United officials watched Real Sociedad defeat Barcelona 2-1 in LaLiga on Sunday, with their focus split between evaluating Sociedad striker Mikel Oyarzabal and monitoring Marcus Rashford’s situation at Barcelona.

The match itself was dramatic, with four goals ruled out before Sociedad captain Oyarzabal opened the scoring with a perfectly timed volley from a Goncalo Guedes cross. Barcelona had a penalty overturned by VAR shortly before half-time, only for United loanee Rashford to head them level in the 70th minute. Sociedad restored their lead immediately as Guedes struck home, despite going down to ten men when Carlos Soler was sent off late in the game.

Rashford’s Future Under Review

TeamTalk report that United officials were in Spain not just for Oyarzabal, but also to hold talks with Barcelona regarding Rashford’s future. The forward’s exit had been influenced by former Barcelona boss Ruben Amorim, but with Michael Carrick now in charge on an interim basis, there is speculation Rashford could return to Old Trafford.

The report notes that Barcelona are keen to make Rashford’s stay permanent if finances allow, with the Englishman having scored eight goals and contributed 11 assists in 29 appearances this season. Rashford, meanwhile, is reportedly enjoying life at the Catalan club and has expressed an interest in a summer move.

Photo IMAGO

Serious Interest in Oyarzabal

While Rashford’s potential return remains uncertain, United’s focus on Mikel Oyarzabal appears more concrete. TeamTalk claim that the Red Devils hold “serious interest” in the 28-year-old forward, who has netted 121 goals in 416 appearances for Sociedad and scored the winning goal for Spain against England in the Euro 2024 final.

Oyarzabal, who has a contract running until June 2028 and a €75m release clause, has been a long-term target for United. His loyalty to Sociedad could make negotiations challenging, as he has spent his entire senior career with the club and supported them from a young age. Nevertheless, United are reportedly willing to explore a move, with scouts impressed by his performance against Barcelona.

United’s January activity extends beyond forwards. Reports suggest they have been offered a surprise deal for an AC Milan midfielder, while Adam Wharton has also emerged as a target. Furthermore, discussions have taken place regarding a player described as an “immense” FA Cup winner with Leicester City, signalling that United are actively exploring multiple options to bolster their squad in the winter window.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Manchester United supporter’s perspective, the potential pursuit of Oyarzabal is a welcome sign of ambition. United have struggled to maintain consistent attacking output, and adding a proven goal scorer of Oyarzabal’s calibre could significantly enhance their options. His record of 121 goals for Sociedad and recent performances on the international stage suggest he has the experience and quality to thrive in the Premier League.

The Rashford situation, however, is more nuanced. While his return would be popular with fans, it is clear that the player enjoys his current spell at Barcelona and is likely eyeing a permanent move. United must balance ambition with pragmatism, recognising that securing Oyarzabal may be a more achievable target than persuading Rashford to return mid-season.

Overall, the club’s proactive approach, sending officials to Spain and exploring multiple transfer avenues, reflects a clear intent to strengthen the squad under Carrick. For fans, this demonstrates that United remain committed to competing at the highest level, while also addressing long-standing gaps in both the attacking and midfield departments.