Why Manchester United Pulled Out of Mathys Tel Deal Despite Marcus Rashford’s Exit

Manchester United’s Interest in Mathys Tel

Manchester United were actively seeking reinforcements during the January transfer window, especially after loaning Marcus Rashford to Aston Villa following a fallout with manager Ruben Amorim. One of their key targets was Bayern Munich’s rising star, Mathys Tel, who was eager for more first-team opportunities.

Competition from Other Top Clubs

Tel quickly became one of the most sought-after players in the window. Chelsea initially showed interest but later shifted their focus elsewhere, while Arsenal also considered a move as they searched for additional attacking options for Mikel Arteta’s squad. Tottenham Hotspur, under chairman Daniel Levy, attempted to finalize a permanent £50m transfer but faced resistance from the player himself, who initially preferred to stay at Bayern Munich.

Why United Walked Away from the Deal

As the transfer deadline approached, it became evident that Bayern Munich were willing to let Tel leave, but with specific conditions. According to Sky Sports, the main reason United pulled out of negotiations was Bayern’s insistence on a dry loan deal, meaning there would be no option to buy at the end of the season. Additionally, Bayern demanded a £5m loan fee, which United deemed an excessive risk given Tel’s limited playing time this season and the adaptation period he would require.

Tel’s U-Turn and Tottenham Move

Despite initially rejecting Tottenham, Tel reconsidered his stance as the deadline loomed. Manager Ange Postecoglou played a key role in persuading the young French forward, with former Spurs striker Harry Kane also reportedly offering words of encouragement. Eventually, Tel agreed to a move to North London, with Tottenham securing an option to buy at the end of the season for approximately £45m.

Manchester United’s Striker Woes Continue

With Tel no longer an option, United found themselves unable to bring in a direct replacement for Rashford. Their striking options, Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, have struggled for confidence and consistency. In an attempt to address the situation, Amorim fielded Kobbie Mainoo in a false nine role during their clash against Crystal Palace. However, the experiment failed, as United suffered a 2-0 defeat, with Jean-Philippe Mateta scoring twice in the second half.

What Next for United?

With the transfer window now closed, United must rely on their existing squad to navigate the remainder of the season. Will Hojlund and Zirkzee step up to the challenge, or will United regret not securing a new striker in January? Share your thoughts in the comments!