Man Utd respond to Dorgu injury by targeting €40m replacement

Robin Bairner

• 28 Jan 2026 08:44 GMT
• 3 min read

News

Manchester United have suffered a sizeable blow with news of Patrick Dorgu’s injury problems but could seek a remedy in the transfer market with a move for Rennes’ Mohamed Kader Meite.

Dorgu faces the prospect of being out for 12 weeks following confirmation of a hamstring issue sustained at the weekend against Arsenal. While the injury is not expected to be season-ending, he is likely to be limited to a handful of games.

For Michael Carrick, this is a substantial blow because the Denmark international had found a new lease of life in recent weeks in a more attacking role on the left, and now the interim Man Utd boss could go into the transfer market for reinforcements.

Current ETV

Patrick Dorgu

D, M (L)

Man Utd

Patrick Dorgu

D, M (L)

Man Utd

€31.5M

ETV Range

€28.3M - €34.6M

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Man Utd step up Meite interest

Rennes attacker Meite is a player who is being target, according to the Guardian.

It is claimed that the 18-year-old attacker’s representatives have already been sounded out over a potential move for the teenager.

Unlike Dorgu, he is a centre-forward and there is some indecision in the Man Utd ranks as to whether they want to recruit a No.9 or a winger.

United have held a long-standing interest for Meite, who has five senior goals to his credit in 32 appearances. Indeed, their move at this point may have been triggered by interest from Saudi Arabia, with the Pro League having already sought to sign the France U21 star.

Al-Hilal have had a bid of €40 million knocked back for the teenager, who is under contract with Rennes until the summer of 2028, giving the Ligue 1 side some leverage in these talks.

It is claimed that United hope to land Meite, who has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €11.7m, for a fee in the region of €30m.

Why a deal is unlikely

Man Utd are unlikely to find the French side willing to sell. Just as they are playing hardball over a move from Chelsea for Jeremy Jacquet, who they are demanding €65-70 million for, they plan to stand their ground for Meite.

“Rennes reiterated their desire to keep Kader Meite a short time ago and were even in discussions with his agents to extend his contract beyond 20228,” Ouest France reports.

“If he were to leave, it would be for a huge fee and because the player requested to go. The problem is also that the market for good No.9s is very tight and very expensive.”

With the Red Devils apparently unwilling to match Rennes’ demands, a deal for Meite seems unlikely at this juncture.