Manchester United Transfer News Roundup: Red Devils not eyeing another striker, club not in Jarrad Branthwaite talks, and more - July 28, 2024
Manchester United are working diligently under INEOS' leadership as they look to get back to their best next season. Erik ten Hag has already welcomed Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee to his roster this summer but remains in the market for further reinforcements.
Meanwhile, the Red Devils are not planning to sign another striker this year. Elsewhere, the Premier League giants are not working on a move for Jarrad Branthwaite at the moment.
On that note, let's look at the major Manchester United transfer stories from July 28, 2024.
Manchester United not eyeing another striker, says journalist
Manchester United are not eyeing another striker at the moment, according to journalist Dharmesh Sheth. The Red Devils acted quickly this summer and secured the services of Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna earlier this month.
Erik ten Hag invested heavily in Rasmus Hojlund last year and the Danish youngster showed promising signs in his debut campaign. However, the Dutch manager wanted to rope in another No. 9 this year to help deal with the departure of Anthony Martial.
The Premier League giants now appear well-stocked in the attacking department and could look to strengthen other areas of the pitch. However, Hojlund picked up a knock in their pre-season friendly against Arsenal, prompting talk of further reinforcements.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Sheth insisted that Manchester United will only move for a new attacker if Jadon Sancho or Facundo Pellistri leave.
“United have watched Ivan Toney and Dominic Calvert-Lewin and they’re admirers of them. The information that I’ve got, once Zirkzee came in, it was very unlikely that United were going to strengthen again in that area," said Sheth.
He continued:
“They’ve got other areas they need to focus on and spend their budget on. However, if there were to be departures in the forward line, for example Jadon Sancho or Facundo Pellistri, then there is a chance United could go back into the market to try and bring in another forward player.”
Jadon Sancho recently patched up with Erik ten Hag, but his future remains up in the air.
Red Devils not in Jarrad Branthwaite talks, says Fabrizio Romano
Manchester United are not engaged in fresh talks with Everton for Jarrad Branthwaite, according to acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano. The Red Devils have already seen two bids rejected for the English defender this summer.
It was previously believed that the Toffees would be forced to offload the 22-year-old this year to address their poor finances. However, Amadou Onana's departure in a big-money move to Aston Villa may have helped sort out their monetary woes for now.
Erik ten Hag has already strengthened his backline by roping in talented young defender Leny Yoro from Lille. However, the Dutchman reportedly wants further reinforcements, and Branthwaite remains an option.
However, in his column for Caught Offside, Romano insisted that a move will only be possible if Everton reduce their asking price for the Englishman.
“I also don’t currently have any fresh information on Jarrad Branthwaite. There are no negotiations taking place at the moment after two bids rejected by Everton from Manchester United. Everton keep insisting on a fee of £70m at least and Man United will not pay that," wrote Romano.
He continued:
"The only way to reactivate the deal is if Everton drop their price, and they’re not planning for that at the moment. It’s also important to note that the Jake O’Brien deal doesn’t necessarily mean that Branthwaite is leaving, even if there has been some speculation that he would be his replacement."
Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt also remains an option for the Premier League giants.
Manchester United set Christian Eriksen price
Manchester United are ready to let Christian Eriksen leave for just €5m this summer, according to Caught Offside. The Danish midfielder was in and out of Erik ten Hag's starting XI last season following the emergence of Kobbie Mainoo.
With the Dutch manager already in the market for a new midfielder, Eriksen's time at Old Trafford could be coming to an end. The 32-year-old is under contract with the Red Devils until 2025, so the club are eager to cash in on him this year.
The Dane isn't short of options at the moment, with Anderlecht and Ajax reportedly eyeing him with interest. Eriksen hasn't made a decision on his future yet, but could be tempted to leave in search of regular football.