Manchester United’s Pre-Season Transfer Plans in Full Swing
As the Red Devils conclude their tour of the United States, attention turns to the transfer market, with manager Erik ten Hag prioritizing defensive reinforcements to bolster his squad. The injury to new signing Leny Yoro and fitness concerns over Jonny Evans, Victor Lindelof, and Harry Maguire have accelerated the need for new additions.
Bayern Munich duo Noussair Mazraoui and Matthijs de Ligt have been identified as top targets, with Ten Hag having a long-standing admiration for the pair. An initial offer for the pair was rejected, but with Yoro set to miss several weeks with a metatarsal injury, a second bid is expected imminently.
Mazraoui, 26, made just 19 Bundesliga appearances for Bayern last season, but is desperate to join up again with Ten Hag, who he played for at Ajax. The Dutch defender has reportedly turned down a move to West Ham to join Manchester United, citing his desire to work with the manager again.
De Ligt, 24, has been a target for Manchester United since Ten Hag’s arrival in 2022. The Dutch defender captained Ten Hag’s Eredivisie-winning Ajax side in 2018/19 and helped them reach the Champions League semi-final before sealing a move to Juventus. With new Bayern manager Vincent Kompany reportedly informing the defenders they are surplus to requirements ahead of the new season, De Ligt could be tempted by a move to Old Trafford.
Another player who could be on his way to Manchester United is Uruguayan international midfielder Manuel Ugarte. According to Fabrizio Romano, the 23-year-old is seen as the number one target to replace Casemiro, who has struggled to rediscover the form he showed in his first season for the club. Ugarte currently plays for Paris Saint-Germain, but the French giants are willing to let him go for a fee of around £51m. Manchester United, however, are rumored to be willing to pay £8.5m less, which could be a sticking point.
Ivan Toney, the Brentford striker, has also been linked with Manchester United. With injury concerns over Marcus Rashford and Antony, Ten Hag may turn to Toney as a potential solution. Brentford boss Thomas Frank is willing to let Toney go for the right fee, and the striker has admitted he wants a move away from the Bees.
Rumors surrounding Rasmus Hojlund’s injury, which is expected to keep him out for around two months, may also play a role in Manchester United’s transfer plans. The Danish defender’s absence could prompt Ten Hag to look for alternative options, with Toney potentially being a viable target.
On the other side of the coin, one player who is expected to leave Old Trafford before the new season starts is Aaron Wan-Bissaka. The 26-year-old fullback is closing in on a move to West Ham, with the Hammers having already made a bid for the England international. Manchester United want £18m for Wan-Bissaka, and West Ham are expected to put in a second offer to secure his signing.
As Manchester United look to strengthen their squad ahead of the new season, it remains to be seen which players will arrive and depart Old Trafford. One thing is certain, however, is that Ten Hag will be keen to add depth and quality to his squad to challenge for major honors.
In addition to these transfer rumors, Manchester United are also expected to be active in the market for a new goalkeeper. With David de Gea’s contract set to expire in 2024, the club may look to sign a new shot-stopper to provide competition for the Spanish international.
Furthermore, Manchester United’s midfield is also expected to undergo significant changes. With Paul Pogba’s departure to Juventus and Casemiro’s struggles, the club may look to sign a new midfielder to provide creativity and depth to the squad.
As the transfer window approaches, Manchester United fans will be eagerly awaiting news on their club’s transfer plans. With Ten Hag’s reputation for building strong squads, there is no doubt that the Red Devils will be a force to be reckoned with in the upcoming season.
In conclusion, Manchester United’s pre-season transfer plans are in full swing, with the club looking to strengthen their squad ahead of the new season. With defensive reinforcements, midfield signings, and a new goalkeeper on the horizon, the Red Devils are poised to make a strong push for major honors in the coming season.