Manchester United have reportedly suffered a major blow in the pursuit of Barcelona starlet Marc Bernal.
The 17-year-old was threatening to enjoy a breakthrough campaign in the first team of the Camp Nou club under Hansi Flick during the 2024-25 season.
Bernal started Barcelona's opening three matches of the La Liga term in the engine room, taking to the field against Valencia, Athletic Bilbao and Rayo Vallecano.
However, the midfielder picked up a serious cruciate ligament injury during the closing stages of the 2-1 win over Vallecano on August 27.
Further examinations of the issue revealed that Bernal is set to be sidelined for a significant period of time, potentially sitting out of the remainder of the season.
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Man United to miss out on Bernal signing?
According to ESPN via the Manchester Evening News, Manchester United are set to suffer a major setback in their pursuit of Barcelona midfielder Bernal.
The report claims that the 17-year-old is expected to put pen to paper on a new contract at Barcelona this week despite his long-term ligament injury.
It is understood that the Red Devils were keen on Bernal during the summer transfer window, although a genuine approach for the Spaniard never materialised.
The midfielder supposedly had a £16.6m release clause in his Barca deal, meaning that he could have been a low-risk move for plenty of Europe's top clubs.
However, it is now likely to take a significant fee to prise Bernal away from Camp Nou as he prepares to sign his first bumper professional contract.
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Newcastle United interest and alternative options
As well as Man United, it is believed that Eddie Howe's Newcastle were eyeing up an ambitious swoop for Barca's Bernal during the summer trading point.
Despite missing out on the services of the 17-year-old, the Red Devils are not short of options in midfield following their late transfer dealings.
Erik ten Hag's side recruited Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain, with the Uruguay international hoping to build a long-term partnership with academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo in the engine room.
Man United also have youngster Toby Collyer learning his first-team trade in midfield this season, while Casemiro provides plenty of top-level knowhow as a backup.
