Just in: Man United turned down surprise winter move for FA Cup-winning midfielder

Manchester United had the opportunity to strengthen their midfield in the recently concluded winter transfer window but chose to stand firm.

According to renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Red Devils were offered the chance to sign Besiktas midfielder Wilfred Ndidi.

However, United quickly turned the proposal down, making it clear that the Nigerian was not part of their long-term vision.

Romano revealed on the Here We Go podcast: “I can tell you that Wilfried Ndidi, former midfielder from Leicester, now at Besiktas, was offered as an opportunity to Man United.

“A low-cost opportunity, the player was very keen on the move but Man United decided immediately not to proceed.

“They had the chance to do something like a low-cost opportunity but they decided against it.”

Ndidi only joined Besiktas last summer after spending nine years as a key figure at Leicester City.

During his time with the Foxes, he lifted the FA Cup, the Community Shield and won promotion via the Championship.

Despite being desperate to refresh their midfield, United are determined to wait until the summer to recruit players who truly fit their long-term strategy.

Casemiro has already announced that he will leave the club in July after his contract expires.

Manuel Ugarte could also be heading for the exit, having failed to fully convince since arriving from Paris Saint-Germain in 2024.

With changes inevitable, United are believed to be targeting at least two new midfielders, with Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton all high on their shortlist.

The club were prepared to spend in January, but only if one of their priority long-term targets became available.

They showed interest in signing Antoine Semenyo but the forward ultimately chose to join Manchester City.

Ndidi was never in their plans and at the age of 29, he is not the right fit for United.

We believe it was a wise decision from the club to wait for the summer and rely on academy starlets as an emergency option.

Jack Fletcher has already made his senior debut under former manager Ruben Amorim earlier this campaign.

Tyler Fletcher and Jack Moorhouse are other alternatives for the caretaker head coach Michael Carrick if any of his senior midfielders are unavailable.

Rather than spending money on short-term fixes, investing in youth should always be preferred at this club with a storied history.

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .