Manchester United's Transfer Juggling Act: Raum, Kroupi, Obi, and Zirkzee

Manchester United’s late-window plans are starting to look like a juggling act.

INEOS are weighing up defensive reinforcements, outside voices are pushing attacking targets, a gifted teenager is wanted abroad, and a high-profile forward appears to be heading for the exit. All with the deadline looming.

Raum stays on United’s radar

David Raum has not dropped off United’s list.

The RB Leipzig left-back, out of contract in a year, remains under consideration by the club’s new recruitment team, according to TeamTALK. United have monitored the Germany international before, and his contractual situation gives them a potential opening if they choose to move.

With one year left on his deal, Leipzig face a familiar choice: cash in now or risk losing value later. United, still reshaping the squad under INEOS, see Raum as a possible solution on the left side of defence, even if no formal move has yet been reported.

McCoist pushes Kroupi as “smart” United signing

While United weigh up defensive options, Ally McCoist is urging them to look further forward.

The former Scotland striker believes Bournemouth’s Eli Junior Kroupi has the quality to step up to Old Trafford, despite the forward currently being sidelined by a pre-season injury and expected to be out for some time.

Speaking to talkSPORT Bet, McCoist acknowledged the leap involved but made his case clearly.

“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.”

Kroupi’s injury complicates any immediate move, yet McCoist’s comments underline how widely clubs now scout beyond the traditional elite. United, under pressure to recruit smarter, are being told to look exactly in that direction.

Feyenoord eye loan for Obi

One youngster already inside the United system may need to leave to move forward.

Chido Obi, the Danish forward who arrived from Arsenal in 2024, is attracting interest from Feyenoord. Reports in the Netherlands state the Eredivisie side are keen on taking him on loan.

Obi has made only a handful of first-team appearances and has struggled to force his way into Michael Carrick’s senior plans. A temporary switch to Rotterdam would offer regular minutes and a demanding environment, while allowing United to retain control of his long-term future.

For a club intent on trimming the squad without losing promising talent, that kind of deal makes sense.

Zirkzee pushing for exit before deadline

The most immediate flashpoint, though, is Joshua Zirkzee.

The Dutch forward, who joined United in 2024 with high expectations, wants to leave before Tuesday’s deadline, according to The Daily Mail. His time at Old Trafford has stalled, and he is not part of Carrick’s plans going into the new campaign.

England and Europe are both in play.

Aston Villa are said to be leading the chase domestically, while Napoli, Juventus and Roma have all been mentioned as potential destinations on the continent. United, finalising the “bits and pieces” of their window, now face a decision: hold a misfiring asset or cash in and create room for a fresher attacking profile.

Raum on the list, Kroupi being talked up, Obi courted by Feyenoord, Zirkzee edging towards the door — United’s deadline days under INEOS are starting to show a clear pattern. Who stays, who goes, and who arrives next will say plenty about how ruthless this new era is prepared to be.