Manchester United Make Sensational Approach For ‘Complete’ Juventus Star
Manuel Locatelli is once again on the Manchester United radar.
Giuseppe Labellarte
Updated on 06 February 2026
Manuel Locatelli has emerged once again as a target for Manchester United, according to reports from England.
Manchester United have reportedly spoken to the Juventus captain’s entourage, with a possible move being discussed for the summer.
The English Premier League giants are likely to refresh their midfield again, and Casemiro’s future is a big question at Old Trafford.
However, Locatelli is the Juventus captain and is a key figure in Turin, so striking a deal would not be all that easy.
Manuel Locatelli: Why Manchester United want Juventus captain
Manuel Locatelli is not a new name on the Manchester United wishlist.
Locatelli was on the Red Devils radar back in 2021, when he impressed for Italy and helped them win the European Championships.
Juventus ended up winning the race that year, signing him from Sassuolo.
However, with Casemiro likely to leave Old Trafford this summer, the Red Devils are now looking for other options.
According to The Touchline, United have already initiated initial contact with Locatelli’s team, exploring his availability for a summer move.
🚨💣 𝐄𝐗𝐂𝐋𝐔𝐒𝐈𝐕𝐄: Manchester United have contacted Manuel Locatelli’s entourage ahead of a possible move next summer.
He’s one of the options to replace the departing Casemiro. pic.twitter.com/c1b5ndK7ic
— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) February 5, 2026
Looking at Locatelli’s profile and stats, it’s not surprising to see why United want him.
He is one of only four midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues to have logged at least 900 minutes in several key parameters.
He has more than 75 passes per 90 minutes, over 85% accuracy, over 60% of duels won, and more than three interceptions per 90 minutes.
“Manuel is a complete player,” his agent, Stefano Castelnovo, said last year. “In addition to the dirty work he does, he can play both short and long.”
The likelihood of Juventus selling Manuel Locatelli
Manuel Locatelli is not only a top player in his prime, but as Juventus captain, he is a figurehead and ambassador for the club.
However, his contract will be 18 months away from expiry in the summer. His deal runs out in 2028.
Much depends on whether Juve can get him to extend his contract. If not, that opens the door for Manchester United.
And in recent months, there have been some suggestions that all is not well between Locatelli and Luciano Spalletti.
With that in mind, it remains to be seen what Juve decide to do in the coming months.
In other news, Juventus have been handed a warning about Jeremie Boga, their new signing in attack.
Giuseppe Labellarte
Giuseppe Labellarte is a sports journalist with over a decade of professional experience in the industry. His main professional expertise is in soccer. Prior to joining FootItalia, he worked for the likes of Sports Mole, TBR Football, the Chelsea Chronicle and numerous other sites, along with having bylines in the likes of the Nottingham Post. He holds degrees in Journalism and International Relations.
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