Manchester United approached Barcelona, Real Madrid for a midfielder; left frustrated

Manchester United (h/t Fabrizio Romano) have recently confirmed an injury to Christian Eriksen, which will rule him out till late April or early May. The Danish international has been integral to their season, and will miss both legs against Barcelona in the Europa League.

Without Eriksen, United have no more than Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro, Scott McTominay, and Fred in their ranks to cover for three positions. In search of an emergency replacement, United have gone fishing across Europe, according to The Telegraph.

Barcelona and Real Madrid were two of the clubs contacted by United, hoping to sign a midfielder. But they have been left frustrated after their attempts failed.

Neither Barcelona, nor Madrid currently have expandable sources in midfield.

The former have been fielding a four-man midfield system of late, using Frenkie de Jong, Sergio Busquets, and Pedri in the centre of the park, while Gavi acts as an auxiliary winger. This leaves Xavi with just Franck Kessie as an option off the bench.

Not to mention, Pedri and Gavi are untouchable, and de Jong’s recent impressive performances mean Barcelona are likely to keep a hold of him as well.

As for Kessie, the Ivorian has already turned down an exit in the winter when Barcelona were in talks with Inter Milan for Marcelo Brozovic.

Meanwhile, Madrid are currently facing an injury crisis in their team, with David Alaba, Aurelien Tchouameni, Daniel Carvajal, Ferland Mendy, and Lucas Vazquez sidelined.

As such, Carlo Ancelotti has been forced to deploy Toni Kroos as a pivot and Eduardo Camavinga as a left-back. They have no scope of letting any midfielder leave the club in the winter, especially not on deadline day.

The report does say that United have been offered a chance to sign Yannick Carrasco, who is on Barcelona’s radar. In fact, the Catalans have the chance to sign the Belgian for just €15 million in the summer as part of Memphis Depay’s deal with Atletico Madrid.