Manchester United Transfer News Roundup: Lautaro Martinez to cost £69.5 million; Ryan Gravenberch backed to succeed at Old Trafford, and more - May 20, 2023
Manchester United secured a 1-0 win over Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday (May 20) in the Premier League. Casemiro scored the only goal of the game to take Erik ten Hag’s team a step closer to securing a top-four finish.
Meanwhile, Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez is likely to cost £69.5 million this summer. Elsewhere, Ryan Gravenberch has been backed to hit the ground running at Old Trafford.
On that note, here's a look at the key Manchester United transfer stories as on May 20, 2023:
Lautaro Martinez to cost £69.5 million
Inter Milan want £69.5 million to part ways with Lautaro Martinez this summer, according to Football Insider.
The Argentinean striker has been in a rich vein of form for the Nerazzurri this season, scoring 25 goals and set up ten more in 52 games across competitions. His efforts have turned heads at Old Trafford, with Ten Hag eager to sign a new No. 9 this summer.
Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane is the Dutch manager’s preferred target, while Victor Osimhen of Napoli is also doing the rounds. However, Martinez is also an option for Ten Hag to consider, and the 25-year-old could be a cheaper alternative to the aforementioned duo. However, Manchester United will have to ward off competition from Chelsea for the player’s signature.
Ryan Gravenberch backed to succeed at Old Trafford
Journalist Dean Jones reckons Ryan Gravenberch could be a hit at Old Trafford. The Dutch midfielder is reportedly being eyed by Manchester United ahead of the summer.
Ten Hag remains keen to upgrade his options in midfield and has set his sights on his former player. The 21-year-old joined Bayern Munich last summer and has one goal and an assist in 31 games across competitions.
Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jones also named Adrien Rabiot as an option for the Red Devils to consider.
"I think Gravenberch and Rabiot are both going to be good options for United to look at right now," said Jones.
He continued:
"In terms of what they'd ideally want, you've got to look at the fact that Frenkie de Jong was the player that they liked, so I think you want a player who is going to be working as a building bridge in this team, somebody that gets things going and links the pieces between defence, midfield and attack, particularly in terms of the positions they pick up, the passes they can pick out and the way you would progress a ball."
He concluded:
"I think, in terms of the ability to open up, his passing and vision, Gravenberch is a good player for that. I think he does possess a natural ability to allow a team to click quickly and put opponents on the back foot."
Gravenberch is tied to the Bavarians till 2027, so prising him away won't be easy.
Otto Rosengren eager to join Manchester United
Mjallby AIF midfielder Otto Rosengren is ready to move to Old Trafford. The Swedish midfielder has exploded into the scene this season, and Manchester United have sent scouts to watch him play.
The Red Devils are looking to add more quality to the centre of the park this summer, and the 21-year-old has emerged as a target. Ten Hag has shown that he is willing to put trust on youth, and Rosengren certainly has a bright future ahead of him.
Speaking recently, the Swede said that Mjallby would let him go should a top club come calling at the end of the season.
“I didn’t know that (Manchester United) was here. I didn’t even know they had been to Strandvallen (Mjallby’s stadium)! I was shocked when I read about it. They said that United are scouting me. I was a bit shocked. Of course, I want to (join Manchester United). It’s something I’ve dreamed of since I was little, to play in a big league," said Rosengren.
He continued:
"If I want to (leave), I don’t think Mjallby will stop me. It’s just fun to be noticed by other clubs. There is nothing concrete, just interest. For me, it’s (important) just to focus on doing well. That’s why (the scouts) come and check. It’s just a matter of continuing on that track.”
Ten Hag is build a team for the present and future, and Rosengren could be a fine fit to his plans.