£63k-a-week star ‘offered to Ten Hag’ on deadline day at Old Trafford

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag was ‘offered’ the chance to land Lyon star Houssem Aouar at Old Trafford on deadline day, transfer insider Dean Jones has told GiveMeSport.

The Red Devils completed the loan acquisition of Bayern Munich midfielder Marcel Sabitzer during the final moments of the January window.

Man United transfer news – Houssem Aouar

According to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth, Manchester United decided against pursuing Aouar despite being offered his services on deadline day.

The respected journalist suggests the Red Devils proceeded to sign Sabitzer after the likes of Isco, Saul Niguez and Yannick Carrasco were also put forward as options.

It is understood that Manchester United held discussions over a potential loan deal for Aouar, but the Frenchman has ended up remaining with Lyon.

Ten Hag enquired about the central midfielder’s availability after Christian Eriksen has been ruled out of action until April at the earliest due to sustaining an injury during the FA Cup fourth round win over Reading last weekend.

Reliable journalist Steve Bates recently told GiveMeSport that the Denmark international’s lay-off has come as a ‘devastating blow’ for Manchester United.

What has Dean Jones said about Aouar?

Jones understands that Aouar was offered to Manchester United with Tuesday’s 11pm cut-off looming.

But the transfer insider believes the Red Devils were fully focused on getting the deal for Sabitzer over the line when it became clear an agreement could be reached with Bayern Munich.

Jones told GiveMeSport: “Aouar was one of many players offered to United on deadline day, but I don’t think it got very far.

“Once they were caught up in the Sabitzer talks, I think they were very focused on it. I know of at least five good players that were pushed in their direction, but Sabitzer was one they had looked at previously and that counted for something.”

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Would Aouar have been a good signing for Man United?

Aouar has racked up 76 goal contributions over the course of his Lyon career, according to Transfermarkt, so there is no doubt that he is a threat in the final third of the pitch.

The fact the 24-year-old has entered the final six months of his £63,000-per-week contract at the Groupama Stadium would have also been attractive as it increased the possibility of him being kept permanently at Manchester United if he impressed.

But ten Hag may have made the right call in plumping for Sabitzer as FBref statistics show he has averaged more shots, tackles, interceptions and clearances per 90 minutes than Aouar this season.

The Lyon man has been struggling to rediscover his best form since the campaign got underway and he has not found the back of the net since October.

With that being the case, Sabitzer could make more of an impact at Manchester United than Aouar, who has been described as ‘incredible’ by Manchester City chief Pep Guardiola, would have done.

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