Manchester United are not yet finished in the transfer window as a raft of sales could propel Erik ten Hag’s side to the next level.
With three transfers completed, for Mason Mount, Andre Onana and Rasmus Hojlund, Manchester United have spent more than the club’s reported budget catered for this transfer window.
This leaves the club in the position of needing to sell players to strengthen the team further. Only around £20-25 million has been raised so far this summer from sales of Anthony Elanga, Alex Telles, and a handful of academy players.
There is movement which could open the door on a couple of further additions, with interest cranking up in Harry Maguire and Scott McTominay.
McTominay and Maguire latest
According to The Times, West Ham made an offer of ‘over £50 million’ for Harry Maguire and Scott McTominay.
This has not been accepted. United want £40-45 million for McTominay alone and £35 million for Maguire.
Based on some of the fees players have been sold for in the transfer window, including West Ham cashing in on Deceln Rice for £105 million, United’s stance is not unreasonable.
There is a case for United not to drag this out too long, and try and find a compromise with West Ham, at least for one of the players.
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Fred and Donny van de Beek could also be sold, creating a path for McTominay to stay if his valuation is not met.
Amrabat and Todibo moves possible
Manchester United have already identified two potential signings, The Independent report. These are Sofyan Amrabat in midfield and Jean Clair Todibo at centre-back.
This is the point where United need to take stock, and prioritise what is more important.
Is it to (a) haggle for weeks over money with West Ham, or (b) start being decisive, push through the sales, and go and get the players to take the team forward.
The second option would be the preferred choice, surely. Harry Maguire looks to be at the end of his career at the club, with his confidence shot to pieces.
McTominay is also just a bit-part player and is a poor positional fit as a Casemiro replacement. Various managers have tried and failed to get him to play as a defensive midfielder and it just hasn’t worked.
Last season he started only 10 league games and Maguire eight. Neither player have Ten Hag’s full trust.
Bringing in two players, whether it be Amrabat and Todibo, or other, who Ten Hag wants, would be a real boost for the squad, as he will rotate more freely to select players he has chosen, rather than avoid selecting those who he does not trust fully.
Interest in Maguire and McTominay is really building now, and if United are serious about signing Amrabat and Todibo, the option is there to pull the trigger, cash in, get the money, and start spending.