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Manchester United have already spent around £95m on two signings, although have suffered a major injury blow to one of the new arrivals.
Leny Yoro will not be available to make his competitive debut until October after suffering a fracture to his metatarsal in last week’s friendly with Arsenal. Rasmus Hojlund’s hamstring issue means he will meanwhile miss the first three league games too.
Joshua Zirkzee, Erik ten Hag’s first signing of the summer, is yet to link up with the squad in the US having undergone individual training back at Carrington upon his return from a break post-Euro 2024.
Whether he is flown over across the pond in time for Sunday’s match with Liverpool is unclear. The setbacks to Yoro and Hojlund are bound to impact the club’s transfer plans.
United were always keen on more centre-backs anyway and have already agreed personal terms with Matthijs de Ligt, though a fee with employers Bayern Munich has not, just yet.
Interest in Jarrad Branthwaite lingers despite having two bids rejected while the club are in talks for Manuel Ugarte. Full-backs could also be sought after amid exit links for Aaron Wan-Bissaka and fitness concerns at left-back.
So, what exactly does a dream final four weeks look like for United? Our writers cast their verdicts.
Isaac Johnson
A dream scenario probably includes Branthwaite. But with United refusing to meet his £70m price tag and Everton staying firm, the more realistic and cheaper, option sees De Ligt arrive for around £40m.
The extra funds can be put towards other signings that will make the final month dream-like. United seem set on Manuel Ugarte while a costless arrival of out-of-contract Adrien Rabiot might be worth acquiring to would bolster midfield options.
United need to drum up funds, though, and a healthy fee from a Saudi entity for Casemiro would go a long way. Meanwhile, securing a bigger fee for Wan-Bissaka than is paid out for the targeted Noussair Mazraoui would be shrewd business.
MEN Sport understands that United are looking to sell Victor Lindelof, so any fee received for him could help balance the books in light of Premier League spending rules.
A loanee left-back would provide cover until Tyrell Malacia, back up to Luke Shaw, is up to full fitness while a £35m-plus offer for Jadon Sancho should be taken up, but for no less.
Tom Coley
United appear to have identified the right areas in their squad for reinforcement, now it is just about getting things across the line. In essence, a new centre-back is a priority whilst right-back, left-back, midfield, and possibly even forward are all situation dependent.
One of Branthwaite of De Ligt is a must at this stage after the injury to Yoro. That is non-negotiable and even if it takes bowing down slightly to the price demands of £40million and close to £70million, then it must be done. Trevoh Chalobah as a centre-back able to play right-back is one that would be wise to pursue as well.
If Wan-Bissaka goes than securing Mazraoui will prove to be good business. A new back-up left-back to compete with Luke Shaw and possibly replace him would help too, but Harry Amass is more than capable of filling that role.
Into midfield and it depends who leaves. Ugarte is a lot of money for not much on-ball quality. Selling McTominay would help fund him but also loses United other important abilities in the centre of the park.
Keeping both Rashford and Sancho would be beneficial but again, if offers of £40million and £60million were on the table it would be hard to turn down and in Amad, United have someone potentially to step up. Hojlund’s injury could leave the club short at striker but it’s tough to see another centre-forward coming in.
Kieran Horn
Man United have already had a strong summer transfer window but Erik ten Hag still has plenty of work to do. With Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee already through the door, United have seemingly achieved two of their transfer aims.
Acquiring a central midfielder now has to be the next transfer priority, though Joao Neves and Martin Zubimendi appear out of reach. Signing Paris Saint-Germain star Manuel Ugarte should now be the decision made with it possible he can be acquired on loan, if reports in France are to be believed, with an option to buy also in the deal.
Given the injury blow to Yoro, signing another defender has to occur with Matthijs de Ligt the perfect candidate given the talks that have already taken place and his relationship with Ten Hag. While Zirzkee can play up top, welcoming an elite-level striker to help Rasmus Hojlund should be sanctioned with Ivan Toney and Viktor Gyokeres as options.
In terms of exits, Aaron Wan-Bissaka can be moved on with Noussair Mazraoui coming in as his replacement from Bayern Munich as Ten Hag strives for a more attacking full-back.
Jake Stokes
Manchester United enjoyed a promising start to the summer transfer window, signing Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee. But, unfortunately, the former has suffered an injury – which means the Red Devils must delve back into the market for a new centre-half.
Ideally, Erik ten Hag can get his hands on Jarrad Branthwaite, but that could largely hinge on whether Dan Ashworth can cash-in on some deadwood and trim down the squad. If not, United should wrap up a deal for Matthijs de Ligt – he’s got bundles of potential, waiting to be unlocked.
Next, the Red Devils need a deep-lying playmaker. A defensive midfielder who’s comfortable on the ball – and that’s not Manuel Ugarte. Chelsea dodged a bullet by not signing the 23-year-old last summer – he’s really not as good a signing as some people might think.
Instead, Ratcliffe needs to take a look at Martin Zubimendi, or even Joshua Kimmich, who could even cover at right-back sometimes. Lastly, I’d like to see United sign a new right-winger. Michael Olise would’ve been the perfect replacement for Antony, who – unless he steps up this season – should be moved on.
Tom Cavilla
Manchester United are still lacking in certain areas of the pitch ahead of the new Premier League season.
Central defence was already a cause for concern prior to Leny Yoro’s arrival and this issue has not gone away after a cruel injury blow to the Frenchman during the recent pre-season meeting with Arsenal.
At least one more addition will be required in the heart of defence, with either Jarrad Branthwaite or Matthijs de Ligt representing ideal signings.
Left-back must also be addressed due to Luke Shaw’s recurring injury issues making him someone Erik ten Hag cannot count on. Wolves’ Rayan Ait-Nouri would be an effective addition to the squad, if a deal could be done.
Central midfield could also be upgraded, particularly if Scott McTominay moves on, and Manuel Ugarte would fit the bill for what United are looking for in this department. Paris Saint-Germain are believed to be open to selling the Uruguay international, ensuring his exit is only likely to be stopped by refusing to meet the asking price of the French club.
United arguably needed another centre-forward in an ideal world even before Rasmus Hojlund hurt his hamstring. After missing 13 matches last season because of various issues and new signing Joshua Zirkzee not exactly staying injury-free throughout his young career, it has hardly been far-fetched that they would find themselves in this situation.
An additional option capable of playing up front and potentially elsewhere is now necessary again. The injury to Leny Yoro also means that the club’s openness to signing three central defenders should see another two arrive, ideally Matthijs de Ligt and Jarrad Branthwaite, with one replacing Victor Lindelof.
Noussair Mazraoui coming in for Aaron Wan-Bissaka also seems realistic at this stage. Then, in midfield, talks with Manuel Ugarte would come to a positive conclusion sooner rather than later. Adrien Rabiot joining on a free transfer would allow the club to cash in on Scott McTominay amid interest in the midfielder.
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