Kylian Mbappe discusses his future amid Real Madrid and Manchester United ‘interest’

Manchester United have previously shown interest in Kylian Mbappe, according to reports, with the Frenchman out of contract with Paris Saint-Germain this summer - and he’s put himself centre stage again this week after a key performance for the French side.

The forward showed why he is such a crucial player for the Ligue 1 team, scoring the only goal of their Champions League Round of 16 first-leg tie with Real Madrid on Tuesday evening.

His 94th-minute strike gives the French side a 1-0 aggregate lead over the Spanish giants going into the second leg in March.

The 23-year-old received the ball from a Neymar backheel pass, then cut inside from the left and slotted past Thibaut Courtois in Real’s goal.

Mbappe, who started the game on the right-wing, before switching to the left side of a front-three, is one of the most sought-after players in football and has significant interest from Real, as per ESPN.

The site claims the French international is ‘expected’ to leave PSG for Los Blancos on a free this summer.

United’s previous stance

According to ESPN, the Red Devils, prior to sacking Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in November, were planning to target a centre-forward in the summer.

They add that the club is said to have created a list of potential options, with Mbappe just one of them. He is joined by Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Haaland, Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane and Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez.

The centre-forward position is a crucial one for United this summer as Edinson Cavani’s contract with the club is set to expire and could see him depart Old Trafford.

Mbappe’s view on the future

Mbappe’s contract with PSG expires at the end of the season and will be free to depart the Parc des Princes if a new deal isn’t agreed.

Following his club’s win over Real on Tuesday, he provided an update, stating he hasn’t decided his future yet.

Speaking to Movistar after the fixture, via the Guardian, he said: “I’ve not decided my future. I play for Paris Saint-Germain, one of the best clubs in the world.”

He was asked whether his goal on Tuesday will sway his decision, to which he responded: “No, I’ve not decided. I give my best and then we will see what happens next season.”

Verdict

With uncertainty surrounding the next permanent manager at Old Trafford, it could be argued that moving to Real is a more sensible option for Mbappe.

This, added to the Red Devils potentially missing out on a top four finish in the Premier League due to mixed results, would likely lead to the Frenchman avoiding a move to Manchester.

Due to Mbappe potentially becoming a free agent in the summer, any club interested in his signature will need to have a reason for him to leave PSG.

Los Blancos currently sit top of La Liga , only losing twice so far this season, and could tempt the French international to the Spanish capital if they overturn their 1-0 aggregate score against PSG in March.