Image Credits: YouTube – Fabrizio Romano
Manchester United’s transfer season has been extremely up and down, with much more to be done before the window ends.
The Red Devils have made two major signing in the form of striker Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna and centre-back Leny Yoro from LOSC Lille. Whilst Zirkzee is yet to make his debut for the club, Yoro has made a handful of appearances in the pre-season friendlies which has resulted now in injury.
The French defender was taken off early doors in the opening USA tour match against Arsenal and has since been announced he’s unlikely to play again before January.
With Rasmus Hojlund also out injured now, missing the start of the Premier League season, both of these injuries are going to need even more transfers in to cover the gaps.
Meanwhile on the outgoings side of transfer side, of the seven players initially highlighted as priority sales this summer, only Mason Greenwood has left the club moving to Marseille.
United have also invested a considerable amount of time pursuing deals which as still yet to reap rewards, with Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt and PSG’s Manuel Ugarte having received a lot of attention and effort from United with both agreeing personal terms. In both instances, the Premier League club is not happy to meet the asking price from Bayern or PSG, causing the deals to stall.
Now, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has made his thoughts known on the signings that United need to complete before the end of deadline day.
Romano gives his thoughts on United’s much needed signings
Fabrizio Romano has taken to his YouTube channel to comment on the remaining three weeks of the transfer window and what United need to complete on.
The journalist commented that Manchester United want to bring in at least one centre back, one right-back, and maybe one left-back if needed. The club should also do something in midfield.
So, if United were to go ahead with each of these positions, who are the current front runners to fill in these positions?
Centre-back – Matthijs de Ligt
The favourite target to fill this position has to be Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt.
The deal for the Dutchman has significantly stalled over the recent weeks, with a reunion between the defender and Erik ten Hag wanted by both men.
Whilst in recent days it looked as though Bayern were going to sign Jonathan Tah from Bayer Leverkusen to replace de Ligt, this no longer appears to be on the cards. However, it’s still understood that de Ligt wants a move to Old Trafford and Romano has commented that de Ligt is still a priority for United.
Right-back – Noussair Mazraoui
Another one of United’s priority targets is Noussair Mazraoui again from Bayern Munich.
Over recent weeks United have submitted a double offer for the right-back and de Ligt, however this was rejected by the Bundesliga club.
It’s understood that United are just waiting to sell Aaron Wan-Bissaka in order to create space and generate the funds to sign Mazraoui, however West Ham appear to be pulling away from the deal, looking at other alternatives.
Again, much like with de Ligt, Romano has confirmed that United see Mazraoui as a priority for this summer.
Left-back – Ferdi Kadioglu
United have been looking at Kadioglu for some time now having already offered €25 million for the left-back. This offer was rejected with Fenerbahce looking for €35 million for their defender, with new manager Jose Mourinho not wanting to sell the Turkish star.
Despite the setback, it’s recently been reported that United have continued to keep tabs on the defender and have recently met with his representatives.
The purpose of the meet was to understand the personal terms that Kadioglu would want to sign to if an agreement with Fenerbahce can be reached.
Midfield – Manuel Ugarte, Sander Berge, Youssouf Fofana
Now we have three potential options for their midfield signing this summer.
Whilst Ugarte has been the top target and a priority of ten Hag’s side, the extent of the stalling of this deal means it’s anyone’s guess if it will make it across the line.
United and PSG were set to meet to discuss the potential transfers of Ugarte and Jadon Sancho. However following this it was reported that United were abandoning the Ugarte deal, with the Sancho one still going ahead.
Since this, it has been confirmed though that United are in fact still in contact with the French club trying to agree a deal for the Uruguay international.
Working proactively though, so they don’t miss out elsewhere, United have also begun focusing on Burnley’s Sander Berge and have renewed interest in AS Monaco’s Youssouf Fofana.
The Red Devils have approached the representatives of Berge, with the midfielder wanting to move to Old Trafford.
Burnley are looking for £30 million for the Norwegian international, however at the moment United are looking at offering £20 million, so some negotiations will be needed to finalise a deal between the clubs.
Finally we have Fofana.
Until recently it was understood that Fofana to AC Milan was as good as done, with the Italian club leading the race for his signature. However, the disparity between the two clubs’ valuations have given enough stalling room for United to re-enter the ace once more.
The Red Devils have now been in contact with Monaco, with a “deal to be done” this summer adding a glimmer of hope for a United move.
Whether any or all of these deals will get across the line is unknown right now, however Romano predicts a very busy week ahead for the Red Devils.
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