Man United well placed to resurrect Maxim De Cuyper transfer - verdict

SDManchester United will have deep regrets over not signing Maxim De Cuyper before Brighton sealed his signature.

The 25-year-old wing-back has been a revelation since putting pen to paper on a deal at the Amex Stadium, and the 2026-27 campaign is no different.

De Cuyper already has three goals and three assists in seven games, though he has been playing much further forward in some performances.

He cost the Seagulls just £17.5million in the summer of 2025, taking like a duck to water in the Premier League after moving from Club Brugge.

Several Premier League teams were also credited with interest in the 25-year-old, and it won't be long until those rumours begin to spread again.

Despite only featuring as a substitute at Old Trafford on Wednesday, 16 September, he stole the headlines with an all-important winner for Brighton.

Maxim De Cuyper reminds Man United of what they missed out on

Michael Carrick's side had taken a two-goal lead inside 10 minutes in the Carabao Cup third round, but it was never going to be that simple.

Man United versus Brighton always promises drama, and De Cuyper rounded off an incredible comeback for the visitors to pile the pressure on Carrick.

In 25 minutes, De Cuyper scored, had two shots, made four recoveries, and completed 93 per cent of his passes, causing havoc down the left flank.

The full-back was an absolute nightmare for Diogo Dalot, who himself had a rather frustrating night in front of a restless Old Trafford crowd.

Given United's full-back struggle so far this season, there is absolutely no doubt that De Cuyper will be on the club's radar once again. Signing him would be an absolute game-changer.

Michael Carrick's future could rest on January window

Mick Brown has revealed to Football Insider that Carrick and staff were "raging" at the scenes against Manchester City at the weekend.

At the end of the day, however, the blame ultimately falls on the manager's shoulders, and there is nowhere for him to run this season.

The January transfer window could be the one thing that saves Carrick from his own demise, and plans are already being forged at Old Trafford.

Tyrick Mitchell is understood to be of interest, and De Cuyper could soon be on the club's radar after previously missing out on his signature.