Manchester United has reportedly compiled a shortlist of five players as the Red Devils aim to bolster their squad for the upcoming season.
The FA Cup winners for the 2023-24 season have already made strides in the transfer market, acquiring young defender Leny Yoro from Lille and forward Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna. However, the team faced a setback as Yoro is expected to be sidelined for approximately three months due to a foot injury, following surgery last week.
Last season, Erik ten Hag’s squad struggled with injuries, especially in the defensive line, and sources from Mail Sport indicate that they are actively pursuing new full-backs for both sides.
Under new sporting director Dan Ashworth, the 20-time English champions are also seeking to acquire a new central midfielder, particularly with Fulham looking to snatch Scott McTominay. Additionally, there is speculation about Casemiro’s potential departure from the club this summer after a lackluster 2023-24 campaign.
Fulham has had an initial bid for McTominay rejected by United but has submitted a second offer of £23 million earlier this week.
Manchester United have reportedly identified a shortlist of five midfielders this summer
New Sporting Director Dan Ashworth (pictured) is looking to make signings in several key areas
United seem unwilling to meet PSG’s £51million asking price for midfielder Manuel Ugarte (pictured)
With the Scotland international’s contract set to expire in 2025, United has intensified their efforts to secure Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte but have been ‘reluctant’ to meet the substantial £51m asking price for the Uruguayan.
This situation has led Ashworth and Ten Hag to reassess their targets, with The Athletic reporting that they have contacted Burnley midfielder Sander Berge’s representatives regarding a possible transfer.
The 28-year-old is, according to The Mirror, one of five contenders on United’s transfer wishlist alongside Monaco’s Youssouf Fofana, Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, Palmeiras’ Richard Rios, and Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat.
Last summer, there was much speculation that both Liverpool and Chelsea could engage in a bidding war for Fofana, amid what has been described as a crucial midfield chase.
The 25-year-old France international has been pivotal in Monaco’s midfield since his arrival at the club in 2020. With his contract expiring in 2025, reports indicate that Fofana, who tallied four goals and four assists across all competitions last season, could be a prime target for United.
Moreover, Barcelona has been showing interest in Zubimendi, 25, for quite some time, considering him a potential replacement for Sergio Busquets. Arsenal has also expressed interest in the Spaniard, a product of Real Sociedad’s youth academy.
Fulham have tabled multiple bids for Scott McTominay (pictured) with their latest offer coming in at £23m
There is speculation that Casemiro (pictured) could leave the club this summer following a difficult 2023-24 season
Youssouf Fofana (pictured) has been a bedrock in the heart of Monaco’s midfield since joining the club in 2020
Barcelona have been keen admirers of Martin Zubimendi (pictured) for some time, eyeing him as a replacement for Sergio Busquets
His contract is set to expire in 2027, and Mail Sport reported in January 2023 that Mikel Arteta’s side had arranged to pay his £52.5 million release clause, but Zubimendi opted to remain at his home club during the ongoing campaign.
Richard Rios, 24, has also caught United’s eye following his notable performances during the Copa America.
The Colombian played a crucial role in leading his team to the tournament’s final, scoring in the quarter-final match against Panama in July.
Standing at 6ft, Rios provides a strong physical presence in midfield and possesses excellent abilities to disrupt the opposition’s play.
Mail Sport understands that Ten Hag and his management team are actively searching for additional defenders. With concerns regarding Luke Shaw’s fitness and Tyrell Malacia’s extended absence last season, United is stepping up its quest for a couple of new defensive players.
Burnley’s Sander Berge (pictured) has also emerged as a surprise transfer target for United
Richard Rios (pictured) seems to have caught the attention of United following his performances during the Copa America
However, Ten Hag has remained tight-lipped regarding potential signings.
‘Do I already know what I’m going to do next year? No,’ Ten Hag stated to Dutch media outlet Ziggo Sport after his team’s FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.
‘We are going to discuss things. Staying is certainly a possibility. It has been a very challenging season.
‘For Manchester United, it needs to be much better, and for me personally as well. I have always maintained my composure and trained diligently. Ultimately, that patience has paid off. We are going to have discussions.’
