Gone, it seems, are the days when Manchester United would put all their eggs in one basket.
While we are still awaiting our first signing of the Ineos era at Old Trafford, the sight of the Red Devils working on numerous deals simultaneously feels like a very welcome change from the days when the Glazers would take things one transfer at a time, thus causing any progress in the market to move at a snail’s pace.
Manchester United, in stark contrast to years gone by, have flown out of the blocks since June rolled into July.
Deals are progressing quickly for both Joshua Zirkzee and Matthijs de Ligt. Potential exits for Mason Greenwood and Donny van de Beek are gathering pace.
And, according to reports, Jarrad Branthwaite is not the only one subject to a fresh bid from out of Old Trafford.
Manchester United reportedly step up Manuel Ugarte chase
The Daily Mail write that Man United have returned with a new and improved offer for Jarrad Branthwaite – worth £45 million and a further £5 million in add ons – for the Everton colossus.
Another claim coming out of France just minutes later, meanwhile, says that £38 million has been dropped on Paris Saint Germain’s desk for Manuel Ugarte.
The tough-tackling Uruguayan appears to have emerged as United’s first-choice to take Casemiro’s place in the number six spot in Erik ten Hag’s engine room.
According to Le10 Sport, Man United’s new-look board – containing new recruitment dons Christopher Vivell and Jason Wilcox – are ‘very optimistic’ that a deal can be reached to bring Ugarte to England.
United also allegedly believes a deal for the PSG enforcer is ‘close’ and ‘well advanced’.
Now, speculation from other sources is not quite so positive. Christopher Michel – the man who broke the news of De Ligt accepting a pay cut to reunite with his former Ajax boss Ten Hag – insists that PSG want to recoup all of the £51 million they paid Sporting Lisbon for Ugarte last summer.
Fabrizio Romano, meanwhile, told the United Stand earlier on Monday that the French champions were yet to receive an official bid even if talks between Ugarte and the Red Devils have been positive thus far.
Perhaps there had been a development in the hours since. All we know at this stage is that, for the first time in what feels like years, Man United are approaching the summer window with the sort of clear, coherent strategy the fanbase have long since craved; numerous irons taking up residence in the very same fireplace.
PSG open to selling Uruguay star
German giants Bayern Munich have also been linked with Ugarte. Vincent Kompany’s side seem very unlikely to make a move of their own at this stage, however, with a deal agreed to bring in long-term target Joao Palhinha from Fulham.
Whether Ugarte proves to be the solution to United’s defensive midfield issues remains to be seen.
The 24-year-old struggled in Paris but, at his best, he is a terrific ball-winner and an intelligent, if rather safe user of the ball.
iNews report that United feel Ugarte could be the ideal foil for Kobbie Mainoo, providing a stable platform for the Carrington kid to wreak havoc further up the pitch.
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