Manchester United are reportedly exploring the idea of calling upon club legend Sir Alex Ferguson to help persuade a key midfield target to join them during the upcoming summer transfer window.
Ferguson, who enjoyed an extraordinary 26-year spell at Old Trafford and secured 38 major trophies before stepping down in 2013, remains one of the most influential figures in the club’s history.
Even more than a decade after his retirement, United are still striving to reach the elite standards he established during his tenure.
As things stand, the club are edging closer to a return to the UEFA Champions League, sitting just two points away from qualification—a competition they have not featured in since 2023.
With that objective nearly secured, attention is already shifting toward a major squad overhaul in the summer, with midfield identified as a priority area for reinforcements.
Several changes are expected in that department. Casemiro is set to leave once his current contract expires, while Manuel Ugarte could also depart after failing to fully convince since his arrival from Paris Saint-Germain. These expected exits have increased the urgency for United to bring in fresh, high-quality options.
Among the names attracting strong interest is Ayyoub Bouaddi, a highly-rated teenage midfielder currently playing for Lille OSC.
Despite being just 18 years old, Bouaddi has already become a regular in the first team, making nearly 40 appearances across all competitions this season.
His maturity and composure at such a young age have made him one of the most sought-after prospects in European football.
However, United are not alone in the race. Clubs like Arsenal and Bayern Munich are also monitoring his progress closely.
To gain an advantage, United are reportedly considering leveraging Ferguson’s legendary status and influence to convince the young midfielder to choose Old Trafford.
This would not be the first time the club has attempted such a strategy. Back in 2020, former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær sought Ferguson’s assistance in trying to lure Jude Bellingham to the club.
Although Bellingham visited United’s Carrington training ground, Ferguson was only briefly involved in the meeting due to internal decisions by club officials.
The midfielder ultimately rejected United’s approach and moved to Borussia Dortmund instead—a missed opportunity many still reflect on.
In addition to Bouaddi, United are also tracking several other midfield options, including Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Sandro Tonali.
This highlights the club’s determination to rebuild the midfield with a blend of youth, energy, and top-level quality.
Ultimately, Manchester United’s willingness to involve a figure like Ferguson underlines how serious they are about strengthening the squad and returning to the top of European football.
