A top official at League One side Derby County was actively pushing for Manchester United to recruit Malcolm Ebiowei over Crystal Palace, according to a report from The Sun. This same report has revealed that the Rams were confident of receiving a bigger compensation fee for his services if he had moved to Old Trafford over Selhurst Park, with a potentially bigger chance of the teenager returning to Pride Park on loan as well.
However, the Eagles have seemingly won the race for his signature with director Dougie Freedman personally driving the 18-year-old to the English capital to get this signing over the line.
Although United boss Erik ten Tag and assistant coach Steve McClaren both pushed to seal an agreement – the ex-Rangers man opted to join Patrick Vieira’s side instead as he prepares to link up with another former Ram in Luke Plange.
Striker Plange joined Palace in January but was loaned back to his former side for the remainder of the season, with Wayne Rooney only having a very limited number of options up front at that point.