Considering that they have spent the summer handicapped by Financial Fair Play concerns, Manchester United’s first transfer window under Ineos control has gone far better than even the most optimistic supporter would have imagined.
Noussair Mazraoui, for less than £13 million, brings to Erik ten Hag’s squad a full-back with the creative, technical talents as Diogo Dalot as well as one capable of thriving on both the right or the left-hand side.
Joshua Zirkzee – a ‘master’ link-man – could transform the flow Manchester United’s attack for just £35 million.
As for the backline, it’s fair to say Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt represent a pretty sizeable upgrade on Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans.
The lack of new midfielders remains perhaps the most glaring issue left for Ineos to fix on the pitch.
But, while Friday’s Premier League opener with Fulham obviously comes to soon, do not be surprised if a deal has been agreed for either Manuel Ugarte or Sander Berge before United travel to Brighton on August 24th.
Manchester United in for Manuel Ugarte or Sander Berge
The Red Devils’ midfield shortlist appears to have been narrowed down to two names.
Burnley’s Berge is the cheaper of the two. Ugarte, meanwhile, offers experience when it comes to winning silverware. The tough-tackling Uruguayan has picked up four trophies during spells at Sporting Lisbon and Paris Saint-Germain.
According to Fabrizio Romano via his official YouTube channel, things are moving forward too, even if Man United still have little intention of meeting PSG’s £50 million asking price.
Ugarte’s agent – Jorge Mendes – has held talks in England this week.
But what about Youssouf Fofana?
If Berge and Ugarte are the two who have been mentioned most frequently since July rolled into August, then Fofana is probably ranks third in terms of the regularity of such rumours.
Sky Sports reported only eight days ago that United had held initial talks with the Monaco contract rebel.
Other sources, however, insist that Man United’s interest has been overblown, if indeed it ever really existed in the first place.
AC Milan always appeared to be Fofana’s most likely destination. And with Fabrizio Romano uttering the three magic words that Rossoneri fans have been desperate to hear, there will be no repeat of that Joshua Zirkzee situation.
Romano, writing on X, claims that Fofana will undergo a medical in Italy before the close of play on Friday. A deal that could rise to in excess of £21 million has been agreed between Milan and Monaco.
Red Devils may have to sell Scott McTominay amid Fulham interest
Man United appear increasingly well placed to land either Ugarte or Berge before the window closes but – like with Aaron Wan-Bissaka and the subsequent arrival of Mazraoui – a sale may have to be secured first.
And this is where Scott McTominay comes in.
The most ‘sellable’ of Man United’s exit-linked midfielders, The Athletic say that Napoli, Bournemouth and Everton have joined the race.
Fulham remain keen too, despite seeing a second bid fall short of United’s £30 million demands.
“We are going to sign a player (in midfield),” Cottagers boss Marco Silva said ahead of Friday’s Old Trafford trip, via Beanyman Sports on YouTube.
“We are pleased that we have Sasa Lukic and Harrison Reed who can play in that position. But yes, we are going to sign a player in that position.”
- READ MORE: Manchester United confirmed signings, transfers in, out, loan exits, releases for 2024/25
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