Leboeuf backs PSG's Zaire-Emery as ideal next midfield signing for Man United

Frank Leboeuf has backed Warren Zaire-Emery as an ideal midfield target for Manchester United, with the World Cup winner arguing the PSG teenager could thrive under Michael Carrick at Old Trafford. The endorsement comes as United close in on a deal for Atalanta’s Ederson, with an agreement reportedly struck but the club keen to add further reinforcements in the engine room.

Zaire-Emery, 20, has just claimed a second Champions League winners’ medal with PSG but has found consistent game time difficult to secure. With Vitinha, João Neves and Fabián Ruiz forming a settled and formidable midfield trio in Paris, the France international may be open to a move that guarantees him a more central role.

Leboeuf sees Carrick’s background as a key selling point. “I think that would be a great signing for Manchester United, but he will need players around him to succeed,” the former France defender said. “I’m very fond of Michael Carrick and the job he did for Manchester United, and he was playing in the position of Zaire-Emery. So I’m pretty sure he would give him great advice to improve. It could be a great move for him.”

Leboeuf did temper his enthusiasm with a note of caution. “Zaire-Emery is a warrior. He’s going to sacrifice himself for the team he plays for. That’s for sure. Will he be ready? I’m not sure yet. He had a strange season. He finished it well, but he struggled for the first six months. That’s why he didn’t play most games. Maybe because he was wondering if he should stay or not.”

United’s midfield rebuild has been accelerated by the departure of Casemiro, whose contract was not renewed despite a resurgence in form under Carrick, with the club deciding his age made him an unsuitable long-term option. Manuel Ugarte is also available for transfer, further deepening the need for new arrivals in that area.

The club has been monitoring several Premier League-based options including Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton and Sandro Tonali, but Zaire-Emery represents a more ambitious overseas alternative. Kobbie Mainoo, meanwhile, has re-established himself in the first team under Carrick and is expected to remain a key figure going forward.