United sign Liverpool academy winger Konde as Carrick eyes City stars amid relegation threat

Manchester United have moved to strengthen their academy by signing teenage winger Isaac Konde from Liverpool, with the club using the international break to conduct transfer business despite the main window being closed.

Konde will join United’s academy setup in search of a pathway to first-team football. The deal is not yet fully complete, with The Athletic reporting that Liverpool are seeking compensation for the teenager, who is expected to be handed professional terms at Old Trafford.

The signing arrives during a turbulent period for United. Michael Carrick’s side sit 12th in the Premier League and have already been eliminated from the Carabao Cup, with further injury concerns emerging among international players ahead of the squad’s return to training.

Off the pitch, pundit Gabriel Agbonlahor has suggested Carrick could look to exploit the uncertainty surrounding local rivals Manchester City. The football world continues to absorb the news that City are expected to be found guilty on 114 of their 115 charges relating to Premier League financial breaches. No punishment has yet been announced, and City retain the right to appeal, but a significant player exodus is anticipated at the Etihad if sanctions are severe enough to result in relegation.

Speaking on talkSPORT, Agbonlahor named two City players United should target in that scenario. “Donnarumma — I have been watching Senne Lammens. Poor at the World Cup, cost Belgium in that game, and I think he has not been great this season,” he said. “Look at the own goal — Lisandro Martinez against Fulham. He has got to be better with that save. I am not convinced in him. I will say Donnarumma to Manchester United. Manchester United will go and nick their number one goalkeeper.”

Agbonlahor also pointed to Elliot Anderson as a target, adding: “Manchester United wanted you, now you go there. Manchester United — you wanted Elliot Anderson, go and get him for maybe half the price.”

Anderson joined City in a £116m move from Nottingham Forest in the summer, making a move to United the less likely of the two scenarios given Carrick’s squad already recruited heavily in midfield. The prospect of landing Donnarumma — who moved to City from PSG for £26m last year — may carry greater appeal, with questions continuing to surround United’s goalkeeping position.