Manchester United Transfer News Roundup: Red Devils eyeing Bayern Munich ace, club yet to submit Manuel Ugarte offer, and more - June 29, 2024
Manchester United are expected to make smart additions to their squad after an underwhelming campaign under Erik ten Hag. The Dutch manager won the FA Cup, but his team could only finish eighth in the Premier League.
Meanwhile, the Red Devils are interested in a Bayern Munich defender. Elsewhere, the English giants are yet to submit an offer for Manuel Ugarte.
On that note, let's look at the major Manchester United transfer stories from June 29, 2024.
Manchester United eyeing Matthijs de Ligt
Manchester United are planning a move for Matthijs de Ligt this summer, according to reputed journalist David Ornstein. Erik ten Hag is in the market for a new defender following Raphael Varane's departure.
The Red Devils have identified Jarrad Branthwaite as an option, but Everton have reportedly rejected their opening offer of £35 million. The Toffees are looking for £70 million to part ways with the Englishman this summer, which has forced Manchester United to look elsewhere. They have identified De Ligt as an alternative.
The Dutch defender played under Ten Hag at Ajax and could be open to a reunion at Old Trafford this summer. Bayern Munich are apparently willing to offload De Ligt as they look to revamp the squad under Vincent Kompany.
The 24-year-old was once considered one of the best talents in the land but hasn't lived up to the talk at the Allianz Arena. A move to the Premier League could be a chance at redemption for De Ligt, while he would certainly solve Ten Hag's problems at the back.
The Dutch defender is under contract with the Bavarians until 2027, but the overall cost of a transfer is likely to be less than that for Branthwaite.
Red Devils yet to submit Manuel Ugarte offer, says Fabrizio Romano
Manchester United are yet to submit an offer for Manuel Ugarte, according to acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano. The Red Devils are looking for a new midfielder this summer and recent reports have suggested that they have their eyes on the Uruguayan.
Ugarte joined Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) from Sporting CP last summer and registered 37 appearances across competitions in his debut campaign. However, the Ligue 1 champions are willing to listen to offers for the 23-year-old within a year of his arrival.
Erik ten Hag needs a new face to replace Casemiro, who endured an underwhelming campaign at Old Trafford. The Brazilian could be offloaded this summer and Ugarte has been identified as a candidate to take his place.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, however, Romano added that the Premier League giants are yet to submit a formal bid for the player.
“In case they [PSG] receive a good proposal for Ugarte, he could leave the club in the summer transfer window. United have taken all the information but are still not making any bid, from what I heard.
"So, it’s still the beginning of the story. [They are] just trying to understand the situation around the player then let’s see what Man United decide to do,” said Romano.
Recent reports have suggested that the Uruguayan is ready to join Manchester United this year.
Manchester United discussing Joshua Zirkzee, says Fabrizio Romano
Manchester United are holding internal discussions regarding Joshua Zirkzee ahead of a possible move this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano. The Dutch striker has become hot property this summer following a breakthrough season with Bologna.
Zirkzee registered 12 goals and seven assists from 37 games across competitions, and subsequently turned heads at multiple clubs in Europe. The Red Devils are also looking for a new No. 9 this year, and recent reports have linked them to the 23-year-old.
However, speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Romano insisted that the English club are yet to make a decision on their pursuit of Zirkzee.
“We know that AC Milan were in very advanced talks, and remain in very advanced talks on the player side, but still no agreement between Milan and the agents of the player on the commission. So the deal is still on standby between Milan and Joshua Zirkzee. Man United are informed. United are deciding internally, what do they want to do for the striker,” said Romano.
Zirkzee could be a fine replacement for Anthony Martial at Old Trafford, who left as a free agent this summer.