Man Utd transfer: Agents in Carrington to seal deal for Moroccan right-back dubbed ‘an idiot’ by Vinicius Junior

Manchester United are in talks to sign Omar El Hilali from Espanyol in the January transfer window and add him to Michael Carrick’s squad, according to a report.

Man Utd have been dire this season, with the Red Devils currently third from bottom in the Premier League table with eight points from 10 matches.

The future of Carrick as Man Utd manager is far from certain, although the club’s co-owners, INEOS, are not going to rush into sacking the Englishman.

It has now emerged that Man Utd are planning to add El Hilali to Carrick’s squad midway through the season.

According to Football Transfers, Man Utd are ‘exploring a move’ for the Morocco international right-back.

‘Representatives of the 23-year-old were at the club’s Carrington training ground this week’, according to the report.

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The report added: ‘In searching for a more reliable foundation, United have turned their attentions to El Hilali, who is primarily a solid defensive player.

‘He is regarded as a physically strong defender who has an athletic approach to the game and excels in one-on-one situations, who has developed into an important player for Espanyol in recent seasons.’

El Hilali has been on the books of Espanyol since 2016 and is under contract at the Spanish club until 2027.

The Morocco international right-back has provided 10 assists in 136 matches in all competitions for Espanyol so far in his career.

Omar El Hilali and Vinicius Junior involved in on-pitch spat

El Hilali made the headlines in Spain towards the end of last season following his heated argument with Real Madrid and Brazil international winger Vinicius Junior.

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Vinicius Junior scored twice at the RCDE Stadium on May 3, 2026, as Madrid beat Espanyol 2-0 in LaLiga.

The Brazilian winger played on the left flank and was up against El Hilali.

During the game, Vinicius Junior told El Hilali after the latter grabbed him while the ball was out of play, as claimed by Marca at the time: “Stop being silly, ask me to change my shirt later… You’re stupid, you want to fight… I’m not changing my shirt.”

Vinicius Junior further said: “Idiot. You’re an idiot.”

El Hilali responded: “Fool.”