Manchester United have reportedly identified Manchester City stars Marc Guéhi and Gianluigi Donnarumma as potential transfer targets in the event that Manchester City are removed from the Premier League.

A claim circulating on social media, attributed to respected football journalist David Ornstein, suggests that Manchester United could attempt to take advantage of a potential upheaval at Manchester City by pursuing some of City’s key players.

However, it is important to stress that the specific Ornstein quotation circulating online has not been independently verified, meaning supporters should treat the report with caution until it is backed by a direct report from Ornstein or a reputable publication.

United linked with Guéhi

Marc Guéhi is reportedly one of the players Manchester United could consider if Manchester City were to suffer a severe sporting or financial sanction that affected the club’s status in the Premier League.

Guéhi’s situation would naturally attract attention because he is currently part of Manchester City’s squad. The England international is regarded as a high-level central defender and would represent an attractive option for any Premier League club looking to strengthen its defence.

Manchester United have invested heavily in improving their squad in recent transfer windows, and adding an established English defender would fit the club’s desire to build a competitive squad capable of challenging at the highest level.

The potential availability of Guéhi, however, would depend entirely on what happens with Manchester City’s situation and the contractual circumstances surrounding the player.

A Premier League expulsion would be an extraordinary event and could have significant consequences for player contracts, registration, wages and transfer arrangements. Therefore, it would be premature to assume that City players would automatically become available to other Premier League clubs.

Donnarumma also reportedly on United’s radar

The social-media claim also mentions Gianluigi Donnarumma as another player Manchester United could target.

The Italian goalkeeper joined Manchester City from Paris Saint-Germain and is one of the most prominent goalkeepers in world football. His presence at City has added another major name to the club’s squad.

For Manchester United, a potential move for Donnarumma would be particularly interesting because the goalkeeper position has been an important area of discussion around the club in recent seasons.

Donnarumma has extensive experience at both club and international level and has already established himself as Italy’s first-choice goalkeeper.

If Manchester City were ever forced to make major changes to their squad because of a Premier League sanction, Donnarumma would inevitably attract attention from major European clubs.

Nevertheless, there is currently no confirmed indication that Manchester United are negotiating with Donnarumma.

What about Manchester City’s Premier League situation?

The entire transfer scenario depends on the hypothetical possibility of Manchester City being removed from the Premier League.

Manchester City have faced a long-running dispute with the Premier League involving numerous alleged financial-rule breaches. The club has consistently denied wrongdoing and has contested the allegations.

Any decision regarding the case would have significant implications for Manchester City and potentially English football more broadly.

It is therefore important not to present Manchester City’s hypothetical removal from the Premier League as an established fact.

As things stand, Manchester City remain a Premier League club and continue to participate in the competition.

Could United actually sign City players?

If Manchester City were subjected to an unprecedented sporting sanction, the consequences for their players would depend on the exact terms of that sanction.

Players would not necessarily become free agents simply because a club was relegated or removed from a competition. Their contracts could remain legally binding, while other mechanisms could potentially determine how player registrations and transfers are handled.

This means Manchester United could potentially explore opportunities involving City players, but there is no guarantee that players such as Guéhi or Donnarumma would simply be available.

The situation would also attract interest from clubs across Europe. United would potentially face competition from other major clubs if City’s leading players became available.

Social media claim still needs verification

The biggest issue with the circulating report is the attribution to David Ornstein.

Ornstein is one of the most respected journalists covering Premier League transfers, particularly through The Athletic. A genuine report from him would normally be accompanied by a verifiable article, interview, social-media post or other identifiable source.

At the moment, the exact quotation being circulated — claiming that Manchester United have informed Manchester City of their desire to sign Guéhi if City are removed from the Premier League — should therefore be regarded as unverified.

That does not necessarily mean the underlying transfer possibility is impossible. It simply means there is currently insufficient evidence to state as fact that Manchester United have formally approached Manchester City over either player.

Manchester United fans will be watching closely

The possibility of Manchester City losing several of their leading players would obviously be a fascinating scenario for Manchester United supporters.

Guéhi could provide additional quality and depth in defence, while Donnarumma would represent a major name in goal. However, both situations remain hypothetical at this stage.

For now, Manchester City remain in the Premier League, Guéhi and Donnarumma remain City players, and there is no confirmed transfer agreement between either player and Manchester United.

The story is therefore one to watch rather than treat as confirmed news.

If David Ornstein or The Athletic subsequently publishes a report confirming Manchester United’s interest, that would provide considerably stronger evidence behind the claim currently circulating online.