Manchester United faces transfer setback as Bournemouth owner’s clue emerges

Manchester United's pursuit of Ecuadorian talent Oscar Zambrano appears to have ended as Bournemouth emerges as the likely destination.

Chirag

January 6, 2024

Manchester United Misses Out On Big Transfer Opportunity — Catherine Ivill/Getty Images

Manchester United’s hopes of securing Ecuadorian prodigy Oscar Zambrano seem dashed as their January transfer ambitions take a hit. The midfielder, sought after by United in Erik ten Hag’s quest for young talent following missed opportunities with players like Moises Caicedo, caught their eye due to his impressive performances with LDU Quito.

Despite breaking into Quito’s senior squad and becoming a regular player over the past two years, Ten Hag’s aspirations of bringing the 19-year-old talent to Old Trafford have suffered a significant setback. Bournemouth owner Bill Foley has strongly hinted that Zambrano is poised to join the Cherries. Foley revealed that the South Coast club is gearing up to make an offer for the Ecuadorian wonderkid, expressing their victory in securing his signature.

“We’re going to make an announcement in the next few days about a really exciting South American player who is coming over. He may be loaned out to one of our sister clubs because we are trying to create a multi-club model,” Foley shared with CBS.

“We will progress him through that system and eventually you build up the playing time so he can come to Bournemouth. Then you have an experienced, 22-year-old who is ready to play Premier League football.”

Meanwhile, news of United losing out on Zambrano coincides with Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s impending control over football affairs at Old Trafford. The British tycoon is set to bring in his own sporting director to oversee the club’s transfer strategies. Ratcliffe recently visited the Carrington training ground after finalizing a deal for a 25 per cent stake in the club on Christmas Eve. During his visit, he met with under-pressure manager Ten Hag.

However, despite the club’s shift in ownership, Ten Hag emphasized the positive nature of their discussions. He expressed eagerness to collaborate with his new boss at Manchester United, highlighting the constructive and agreeable nature of their lengthy meeting.

“Very positive, I have to say. We had a long meeting, for many hours we sat together. We were, on many issues, on the same page, so very positive. I think also from both sides I can say that it was a very constructive meeting,” remarked Ten Hag.

“We’re looking forward to working with each other. I think it’s very short [since the deal was announced], and also, we have to let it settle down. They’re just coming in, they’re just introducing themselves, they have good ideas.”

“We have to see what we can integrate, in togetherness we will work, but after one day, you can’t tell that. They have given me a few. We have had our debates, our points about strategies, and I think we will come together.”