"One of its biggest fans" Manchester United join race for Premier League star who is also a lifelong fan of the club: report

Ismaila Sarr of Crystal Palace celebrates after scoring a goal during the UEFA Europa Conference League match between Crystal Palace FC and FC Shakhtar Donetsk at Selhurst Park on May 7, 2026
Ismaila Sarr has caught the eye of Manchester United (Image credit: Sebastian Frej/Getty Images)

Manchester United have reportedly expressed their interest in Ismaila Sarr following the Crystal Palace forward's impressive displays at the World Cup.

Sarr scored four goals in four games for Senegal as the Lions of Teranga reached the last 32 of World Cup 2026, where they lost to Belgium.

It followed an excellent domestic season with Palace for the 28-year-old, who scored 21 goals in all competitions and won the Conference League, and his consistency has caught the eye of United.

Manchester United explore Ismaila Sarr transfer

Ismaila Sarr of Senegal reacts after he scores his team's second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I match between Norway and Senegal at New York New Jersey Stadium on June 22, 2026

Sarr scored four goals for Senegal at World Cup 2026 (Image credit: Getty Images)

Sarr has enjoyed a hugely successful spell at Palace since arriving from Marseille for £12.5m in August 2024, winning the FA Cup in his first season and adding the Community Shield and Conference League last term.

His prolific form in 2025/26 included nine goals in the Conference League, which saw him named player of the tournament and finish as the top goalscorer.

Manchester United boss Michael Carrick

Manchester United boss Michael Carrick is eyeing reinforcements (Image credit: Getty Images)

According to French outlet Foot Mercato, Sarr has attracted interest from several top clubs across Europe with United among those to enquire about the forward.

While the report adds that the Palace star is not the Red Devils' 'top priority' in terms of attacking reinforcements, he is one of the players being considered.

Sarr is a United fan and did not hide his feelings about a potential switch in comments to Senegalese media earlier this summer.

He said: "My dream club? Honestly, there is only one club. I love Manchester United with all my heart, and I am one of its biggest fans."

The former Watford player has three years left on his Palace contract, so the Selhurst Park club are in a strong negotiating position - with some reports suggesting they value him at £50m.

Ismaila Sarr acknowledges the fans after Watford's 1-1 draw with West Bromwich Albion in which he scored from inside his own half, 2022

Sarr spent four years at Watford between 2019 and 2023 (Image credit: Alamy)

The Eagles also have the pull of playing Europa League football next term, thanks to their Conference League triumph, although that is likely to be trumped by the opportunity to feature in the Champions League with United.

Carrick is looking to add strength in depth to enable the Red Devils to compete on four fronts, with goalkeeper Karl Darlow and midfielders Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans already arriving this summer.

The United boss can call on several forwards including Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, but may yet need to bolster his attacking options with the futures of Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee uncertain.

Freelance writer

James Roberts is a freelance sports journalist working for FourFourTwo and other titles. He started his career at the Oxford Mail, where he covered Oxford United home and away, before becoming a sports sub-editor for various national newspapers.

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