Manchester United Transfer News Roundup: Red Devils receive Manuel Ugarte boost, Youssouf Fofana set to join AC Milan, and more - August 15, 2024
Manchester United will welcome Fulham to Old Trafford on Friday, August 16, for their opening fixture of the new Premier League season. Erik ten Hag's team will be eager to pick up a win to overcome the disappointing defeat to Manchester City in the Community Shield last weekend.
Meanwhile, the Red Devils have received a boost in their efforts to sign Manuel Ugarte this summer. Elsewhere, Youssouf Fofana is all set to move to AC Milan this year.
On that note, let's look at the major Manchester United transfer stories from August 15, 2024.
Manchester United receive Manuel Ugarte boost
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) are likely to consider a move for Manuel Ugarte this summer, according to Ligue 1 insider Jonathan Johnson. The Uruguayan midfielder is a target for Manchester United at the moment, with the Red Devils keen on strengthening their midfield.
Erik ten Hag has already upgraded his defense and attack this summer, and now wants a new face in the middle of the park. Recent reports have suggested that the Dutch manager has his eyes on Ugarte.
The 23-year-old is apparently ready to move to Old Trafford this summer for a fresh challenge. However, talks between the two clubs are yet to progress because of the Uruguayan's valuation.
In his column for Caught Offside, Johnson insisted that the Parisians may have to offload players before they can make further additions to their squad.
“I think PSG would be quite happy to cash in on him (Milan Skriniar), but it’s been difficult at times for PSG to drum up the right kind of interest. You can also see this as they try to do a deal involving Manuel Ugarte and Jadon Sancho, with Fabrizio Romano confirming that Manchester United currently view the asking price for Ugarte as too high," wrote Johnson.
He continued:
“So, PSG will focus on trying to move those players on and it could be useful for them to do so before bringing anyone else in, but there will also still be an effort to bring a couple more individuals in that can improve the squad depth."
Ugarte is under contract at the Parc des Princes until 2028.
Youssouf Fofana set to join AC Milan
Youssouf Fofana is all set to move to AC Milan this summer, according to acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano. The French midfielder has entered the final year of his contract with Monaco and is reluctant to sign a new deal.
Recent reports suggested that Manchester United have their eyes on the 25-year-old this summer as an alternative to Manuel Ugarte. Erik ten Hag wants to rope in a new defensive midfielder to take over from Casemiro, who could leave for Saudi Arabia.
Ugarte has been identified as the ideal candidate for the job, but PSG's reluctance to budge from their steep asking price has threatened to ruin the deal. The Red Devils are keeping their options open and held initial conversations with Fofana's camp.
However, it now appears that the Rossoneri have already reached a verbal agreement with Monaco for a €25m deal. The Frenchman is likely to move to Italy this week, depending on the timing of a formal bid. Manchester United, as such, are unlikely to get their hands on Fofana this year.
PSG wanted Bruno Fernandes, says Fabrizio Romano
PSG considered a move for Bruno Fernandes this summer before turning to Joao Neves, according to acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano. The Portuguese maestro recently committed his future to Manchester United, signing a new extension that will keep him at Old Trafford until 2027.
Fernandes has been outstanding for the Red Devils since joining in January 2020. Recent reports have suggested that the Parisians had their eyes on the 29-year-old, who also has admirers in the Middle East.
However, in his column for Caught Offside, Romano insisted that Bruno Fernandes remains convinced by Manchester United's new project.
“Bruno Fernandes has officially signed a new Manchester United contract, but what about talks with other top clubs earlier in the summer? It’s very normal for agents to speak to clubs, talks like this always happen,” wrote Romano.
He added:
“PSG considered Bruno but Joao Neves became their priority since early June, while there was also interest from Saudi Arabia. Still, Bruno loves United, and also the new project is ambitious as he wanted so they decided to continue together.”
Fernandes was handed the captain's armband at Old Trafford last season.