Manchester United entered the winter transfer window hoping to bring in reinforcements for their midfield as Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte's departures looked imminent.

But with a permanent manager yet to be decided, United are unlikely to make any significant changes to their squad mid-season, as the winter transfer window has already entered its closing stages.

The Reds were heavily linked with the likes of Antoine Semenyo and Carlos Baleba before the start of the window, but neither move went according to United's plans, as Semenyo was hijacked by Manchester City, where the Ghanaian international has already netted two goals in three appearances thus far.

Former Wolverhampton midfielder Ruben Neves was also seen as a major target for the Reds as he was looking to leave his current club, Al-Hilal, in January. With the Portuguese's contract set to expire at the end of the season, the Saudi side was looking to cash in on the player as he reportedly rejected their renewal offers.

Al-Hilal set the asking price at £18 million for the 28-year-old, and Manchester looked to be his most probable destination in January, but now, as it seems, Neves has agreed to renew his contract with his current club for another three years, resulting in an upset for the Man United management.

Although Al-Hilal has seemingly dealt another blow to the Reds, Fabrizio Romano reports (h/t Manchester Evening News) that Rennes striker Mohamed Kader Meite is all set to join Saudi Pro League side, as he gears up to undergo his medicals with Al-Hilal.  

According to reports, United were looking to bring in the 18-year-old striker during the ongoing transfer while putting up an offer of £26 million in front of Rennes for the transfer of the French under-21 star.

But Al-Hilal and Rennes have already agreed on the transfer of Meite before the end of the ongoing winter transfer window, handing United a double blow within the span of a couple of days

United fans might feel frustrated with the teenager's decision to join the Saudi league during the developmental stages of his career. In contrast, most players make these kinds of moves during the twilight of their careers, but at the end of the day, it all comes down to the player's vision for his future, as Meite is reportedly all set to depart Rennes, most likely not for 'Manchester'.

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