Manchester United eye El Hadji Malick Diouf as West Ham relegation opens door to exit
Manchester United could swoop in to sign El Hadji Malick Diouf from West Ham United.
The Senegal international was one of seven summer signings at the London Stadium and was up there with the most successful.
In a season when the Hammers truly struggled for consistent performances, the left-back still showed some class going forward.
His defensive abilities may have left a lot to be desired at times, but that hasn’t stopped various top sides from expressing an interest.
Diouf continues to be a target for Man United moving into the summer, with an East London departure looking increasingly likely.
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El Hadji Malick Diouf closely monitored ahead of West Ham exit
The 21-year-old has certainly been subject to contrasting reviews in E20, but that doesn’t look likely to halt links away in the coming weeks and months.
He remained a regular under both Graham Potter and Nuno Espirito Santo, playing the third-most Premier League minutes of any player in the squad.
| Rank | Player | Minutes played (Premier League 2025/26) |
| 1 | Jarrod Bowen | 3405 |
| 2 | Mateus Fernandes | 3024 |
| 3 | El Hadji Malick Diouf | 2711 |
| 4 | Konstantinos Mavropanos | 2528 |
| 5 | Crysencio Summerville | 2480 |
That sums up how well his first campaign in England has gone, even if it did end with a drop into the Championship.
It could be exactly that which pushes the Senegalese defender towards the exit door, as online outlet Senego reported on Thursday that Manchester United have maintained their interest.
Portuguese giants Porto have also entered the race with a view to taking advantage of the Irons’ relegation from the Premier League.
The Red Devils remain a contender to sign the left-back as a battle looks set to begin when the transfer window opens.
Diouf could soon be on his way out of West Ham, with a switch to Old Trafford still potentially on the cards.
How does Diouf compare to Luke Shaw at Manchester United?
Michael Carrick clearly wants new competition for Luke Shaw even after the Englishman played a role in 38 Premier League games this season.
That could see a move for Diouf make total sense, but it will all hinge on the fee that the Hammers demand in the summer.
It could make for an interesting deal at Old Trafford as the two are largely contrasting.
Shaw is better known for his defensive qualities, while the West Ham man is certainly better in an attacking sense.
He created 0.96 chances per 90 at the London Stadium in the season just gone, while the Red Devils ace managed just 0.45 in a much better side.
Diouf also completed 0.96 crosses, compared to the England international’s 0.25, which sums up the difference between the two.
That could see them play as a useful double act at Old Trafford, but only if Carrick and Co. are willing to match the transfer fee demands in East London.