United eye Espanyol defender Omar El Hilali

Manchester United are looking to strengthen Michael Carrick’s squad in the January transfer window with a move for Espanyol right-back Omar El Hilali. The 23-year-old Morocco international’s representatives were at the club’s Carrington training ground this week.

United have turned their attentions to El Hilali in search of a more reliable defensive foundation, with the player regarded as a physically strong defender who excels in one-on-one situations. The defender has been on the books of Espanyol since 2016 and is under contract until 2027, having made 136 appearances for the Spanish club.

El Hilali made headlines last season following a heated on-pitch spat with Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior during a LaLiga match in May. After El Hilali grabbed the Brazilian while the ball was out of play, Vinicius Junior told him: “Stop being silly, ask me to change my shirt later… You’re stupid, you want to fight… I’m not changing my shirt.” Vinicius Junior then called him an “idiot”, to which El Hilali responded by calling the Real Madrid star a “fool”.

The potential signing comes with United third from bottom in the Premier League and manager Michael Carrick’s future far from certain, though co-owners INEOS are not planning to rush into a sacking.