Man Utd make surprise move for 'perfect' World Cup star instead of Summerville

2 Jul 2026 21:02 BST | 4 min read

Suraj Radia | Editor

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Manchester United are showing a ‘strong interest’ in Crystal Palace star Ismaila Sarr after the Senegalese star’s impressive performances at the 2026 World Cup.

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Sarr scored four times in four matches for Senegal, as well as providing one assist, but even with his goal against Belgium in the round of 32, he could not prevent his country from being knocked out by their opponents.

Current ETV

Ismaïla Sarr

F, M (R)

C. Palace

Ismaïla Sarr

F, M (R)

C. Palace

ETV Range

€37.4M - €45.7M

United are keen to sign a versatile forward this summer who is capable of operating across the frontline and TEAMtalk report that Sarr is a player who is seen as fitting that profile ‘perfectly’.

The 28-year-old is coming off the back of the best campaign in his career, having netted 21 goals in all competitions last season as Palace, including nine in the Europa Conference League, which made him the tournament’s top scorer as the Eagles lifted the trophy.

United are said to have made contact with Sarr’s representatives to register their interest and gather further information about his situation.

Palace would be reluctant to lose such a key player and it is suggested that they would look to triple the €15 million they spent on Sarr in 2024, with the winger having three years remaining on his contract and also attracting attention from Juventus.

Ismaila Sarr: Crystal Palace winger could shoot to top of Man Utd’s shortlist

Man Utd are said to have ‘firmly’ had Sarr on their radar even before the World Cup but his performances in North America have only reinforced the club’s interest.

© IMAGO - Ismaila Sarr is wanted by Man Utd.

In particular, Sarr’s success while playing as a number nine has convinced INEOS to take their interest to the next level and he may end up featuring higher on United’s shortlist than another rumoured target in Crysencio Summerville.

The scale of United’s investment towards an attacker will largely depend on the future of Marcus Rashford after talks were held this week with a view of reintegrating the 28-year-old back into the first team following his loan spell at Barcelona.

Although United’s priority remains signing two more midfielders, the anticipated departure of Joshua Zirkzee has led to a desire to bring in a forward no matter what, even if it is later into the transfer window.

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