In recent years, Manchester United have shifted their focus in the transfer market to acquiring young talent who can make an immediate and long-term impact on the club.
Although such a strategy may turn out to be a risky one, there is no doubt that the huge scope for development and profit is the real factor, and the benefits significantly outweigh the downsides.
Lenny Yolo joined the Red Devils in a £52m deal from Lille last summer and the Frenchman is seen as a major addition to the backline as they aim for Premier League glory.
Just 20 years old, he has racked up nearly half a century of appearances at Old Trafford and is likely to remain a key member of Ruben Amorim’s side for the foreseeable future.
However, with January just around the corner, the hierarchy is set to make further reinforcements, which could result in a number of other youngsters making the jump to a move to Manchester.
Manchester United to sign new players in January
Elliott Anderson has been the main rumored player to join United this winter, with the 23-year-old seen as a key addition to the club next season.
However, a potential move to Old Trafford is likely to be a club record for Amorim as his current employers Nottingham Forest are currently demanding £100m for his contract.
Such a price tag would be expected given his recent rise to cement his place as a regular starter for Thomas Tuchel’s England squad in 2025.
However, according to CaughtOffside, he is not the only young player they are eyeing, with AZ Alkmaar midfielder Keith Smit also being considered by the bosses.
According to their report, the Red Devils are already in contact with the Dutch side about a move for the 19-year-old star, with a £25m price tag currently being discussed for his transfer.
The report also claims that local rivals Liverpool are also interested in the teenager, although it is not yet known where the player himself would like to move.
Comparison of Smit and Scott McTominay
United’s academy has produced a number of top-level talents, but midfielder Scott McTominay is just one of the players to have made the cut.
The Scotland international rose to prominence at Old Trafford and became a household name with supporters in the first team, going on to make a total of 255 appearances for the club.
But last summer, the leaders decided it was best to move him on and let him make his mark, and the club released him to Napoli in a deal reportedly worth £25m.
Such a decision backfired badly, with the midfielder scoring 13 goals in all competitions last season, resulting in the 28-year-old being awarded the Serie A MVP award for the 2024/25 season.
He has recently carried his incredible form into his international career, with his stunning bicycle kick against Denmark this week clinching Scotland’s place in the 2026 World Cup.
His move from Old Trafford makes him an elite-level talent, but the club could be looking to sign another star player in the coming months with Smit’s move.
The Dutch youngster has made a name for himself in recent months and has already made 19 appearances in all competitions, scoring a total of six goals and providing an assist.
He has become a box-crushing midfielder with a penchant for scoring goals and assists, and McTominay has performed admirably since joining from his boyhood club.
Smit, who has “superstar potential” according to Ben Mattinson, has completed 88% of the passes he attempts, resulting in 2.1 chances per 90 this season.
Keith Smit – Statistics for 2025/26 | |
|---|---|
Statistics (every 90) | tally |
games played | 19 |
goals and assists | 6 |
Pass accuracy | 88% |
An opportunity has arisen | 2.1 |
dribbling success | 1.2 |
dribbling success | 50% |
recovery has taken place | 6.3 |
Tackle in the final third | 0.9 |
Statistics by FotMob | |
Other numbers such as 1.2 successful dribbles per 90 and a 50% successful dribble rate further demonstrate his talent in possession, making him a big threat in attacking areas.
The youngster has improved outside of possession, going on to record 6.3 recoveries per 90 and 0.9 tackles per 90 in the final third of the pitch. This number could add a new dimension to Amorim’s team.
£25m is a great deal for a young player of Smit’s quality and potential, but the Red Devils’ board will need to act quickly to avoid missing out on a move to Liverpool.
If he can replicate McTominay’s incredible ability to score and assist inside the final third, it could be a phenomenal business to take the club to the next level in the coming years.
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