Manchester United scouting exciting Rennes pair who played with Leny Yoro for France U-21

Soccer Football – Ligue 1 – Rennes v Olympique Marseille – Roazhon Park, Rennes, France – August 15, 2025 Rennes' Ludovic Blas celebrates scoring their first goal with teammates REUTERS/Stephane Mahe

Manchester United are scouting young Rennes pair Jeremy Jacquet and Mohamed Kader Meite. Centre-back Jacquet and striker Meite have impressed for club and country, catching the eye of many top clubs across Europe.

Both are part of the France U-21 setup and are considered ones to watch for the future by the French media. Jacquet was linked with a move to Arsenal this summer, before the Gunners opted for Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapie instead.

Jacquet has played every single minute for Rennes this season, cementing himself as a key part of the side. Amongst the top U-21 central defenders across Europe, he ranks first for interceptions and possession won and second for percentage of aerial duels won.

Meite has had to settled for a bit part role but has shown glimpses of his ability. He has scored two goals in 11 appearances, most of which came as a substitute.

At 20 and 18 years of age respectively, Jacquet and Meite are considered exciting prospects with several clubs keeping tabs on their development. The Sun reports that Man United have sent scouts to watch the pair, and could be planning a swoop as early as January.

Both players will have one familiar face in the United squad, as Leny Yoro also features regularly for France U-21. United are believed to be in the market for long term cover for Harry Maguire who’s contract runs out next summer.

Lisandro Martinez also continues to be hampered by injuries, so United are keen on defensive cover. The Red Devils were also linked with a surprise swoop for Crystal Palace skipper Marc Guehi earlier this week.

United are also light in the attacking areas despite investing heavily in forwards over the summer. Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo all joined but only Sesko is an out-and-out striker.

Young Chido Obi remains the only backup at striker for United, so the club could see Meite as another long term prospect for the future.

Nadji is a football writer with over 10 years of experience covering the Premier League. His work has been featured on Football Fancast, Arsenal-Mania, and Arsenal.com, where he has built a reputation for delivering sharp analysis, engaging storytelling, and in-depth coverage of the game.