According to reports by TEAMtalk on Saturday November 7, 2026, former Premier League striker Troy Deeney has advised Folarin Balogun against joining Manchester United, warning that a move to Old Trafford could negatively affect the Monaco forward's career.

Manchester United have reportedly identified the United States international as one of their potential attacking targets ahead of the January transfer window. The club are understood to be considering reinforcements after struggling to find consistency in front of goal this season.

The Red Devils have endured a difficult campaign and currently sit 17th in the Premier League table, having recorded just one victory in their opening nine matches.

Their attacking problems have also been affected by Benjamin Sesko's injury struggles, while the club's failure to bring in another attacking option during the summer has increased the pressure on their available forwards.

United's director of football, Jason Wilcox, is reportedly drawing up a list of potential targets as the club considers its options for January. Balogun is among the names being monitored, following TEAMtalk's earlier report that INEOS have identified him as a serious target.

The 24-year-old previously came through Arsenal's academy before moving to Monaco. He has since contributed 43 goals and assists in 97 appearances for the French club, although he is yet to start a Ligue 1 match this season.

Monaco were reportedly willing to sell Balogun to Everton during the summer transfer window, but the proposed move collapsed at the final stage. The striker, who is valued at around £42 million, has nevertheless remained a player of interest to Premier League clubs.

However, Deeney believes Manchester United would not be the right destination for him at this stage of his career.

Speaking to CBS Sports, the pundit said: “No, no, no, not good for Man Utd, not good for Flo Balogun himself.

“It just doesn’t work. Man Utd haven’t given you a record in the last decade of a striker who has gone in and done well. They don’t give you the support mechanism for that.”

Deeney also suggested that Everton would have been a more suitable destination because of the opportunities they create for their attacking players.

He added: “I actually thought the move to Everton made sense. What I mean by that is that Everton create good moments; if you see [Thierno] Barry at the moment, he doesn’t give himself the best chance; he misses a lot.”

The former striker further argued that Balogun had been enjoying an impressive spell before the proposed Everton transfer failed to materialise.

“Balogun was in a wonderful vein of form at the start of the season, came off a wonderful World Cup, scored a lot in the Champions League, I think the Man United project would set him back,” he said.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, Balogun has not ruled out returning to English football. Speaking to talkSPORT last month, he admitted that a Premier League move remained a possibility.

“Yes, potentially. Football has many twists and turns, as we’ve seen after the World Cup. I was close to a transfer, didn’t materialise, but for sure it’s definitely an option,” he said.