Manchester United transfer rumours are kicking into gear after the appointment of manager Erik ten Hag.
Over the past 24 hours there has been an escalation of links to midfielders coming into Old Trafford. It’s understandable, as this has been a major weak point for the side in recent seasons.
With Nemanja Matic and Paul Pogba expected to leave, United are even more short-handed at the position, so incoming midfield moves make sense.
That doesn’t mean the incoming players make sense though. Among the four players linked to the club over the past 24 hours, it is hard to see United pulling any of them off.
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Ruben Neves
What’s the story: The MEN report Wolves are hoping United will join a bidding war for Neves, with agent Jorge Mendes pulling the strings.
Why it won’t happen: We have seen links between United and Ruben Neves before dating back to 2017, with the Red Devils most recently passing up the option last summer.
Sport report Neves has his eye on a move to Barcelona this summer, and United are probably being used to drum up interest in the midfielder.
A move for Neves would be good business for United, but after getting our hopes up before, file this under ‘believe it when we see it’.
Kalvin Phillips
What’s the story: The MEN first reported Manchester United have a daring raid on rivals Leeds to sign England international Kalvin Phillips.
Why it won’t happen: A report from The Athletic claims that despite this interest, no approach for Phillips has been made.
Leeds would likely resist an offer, and Phillips is reluctant to ruin his standing with his boyhood club long-term. Leeds are also set to survive a relegation scare, decreasing their need to cash in.
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic
What’s the story: Italian newspaper Il Messaggero claim (via LazioNews24), that United have prepared an offer for 27-year-old Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.
Why it won’t happen: This rumour crops up every summer, from the same second-hand Italian sources. It is a pattern repeated since 2018, to inflate interest in the player and create a buzz.
There is no bid from Manchester United for the Serbian powerhouse, and nor will be there. It’s all smoke and mirrors, and Milinkovic-Savic won’t be signing for United.
Nicolo Zaniolo
What’s the story: Calciomercato report Manchester United are eyeing Roma midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo, who struck a hat-trick in the Europa Conference League last week.
Why it won’t happen: Jose Mourinho stands in Manchester United’s way, he would not want to lose a top talent to his former club.
Zaniolo is also a very risky investment. He has torn his ACL twice in the past three years, and even though he is only 22, United would be taking a gamble on him considering his medical history.