Manchester United Transfer News Roundup: Red Devils identify Manuel Ugarte replacement; Jadon Sancho backed to stay, and more - August 2, 2024
Manchester United have been quite active this summer, roping in Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee and Lille centre-back Leny Yoro in permanent deals. Manager Erik ten Hag remains in the market for further reinforcements as he looks to contend for trophies.
Meanwhile, the Red Devils have identified an alternative to PSG defender Manuel Ugarte. Elsewhere, attacker Jadon Sancho has been backed to stay at Old Trafford next season.
On that note, here's a look at the key Manchester United transfer stories as on August 2, 2024:
Manchester United identify Manuel Ugarte replacement
Manchester United have identified Sander Berge as a possible replacement for Manuel Ugarte, according to journalist Duncan Castles. The Red Devils are in the market for a new midfielder amid uncertainties surrounding the future of Casemiro.
Recent reports have suggested that Ugarte has been identified as a possible replacement for the Brazilian. The Uruguayan midfielder is coming off a decent campaign with Paris Saint-Germain.
The Parisians are close to securing the services of Joao Neves from Benfica and are apparently willing to let Ugarte leave. However, the 23-year-old is likely to cost a sizeable fee, which has apparently prompted United to consider alternatives.
Berge has been identified as an option. While the Burnley midfielder won't be a like-for-like replacement for Ugarte, he could still be a decent option for United this summer.
On his Football Transfers podcast, Castles said that the Red Devils are discussing a move for the 26-year-old.
"Another individual who I don't think has been mentioned at all as a candidate for Manchester United, but who I'm told they are discussing as an option should the Ugarte deal not go through is Norway international Sander Berge," said Castles.
Castles added that the Norwegian would also be cheaper than Ugarte.
"It's an interesting option. I think a different style to Ugarte, certainly a taller player.
"Probably more elegant in the midfield but very good at retaining possession, distributing possession. Obviously has Premier League experience and would definitely be cheaper than Ugarte," said Castles.
He continued:
"Burnley need to sell players to balance the books, and they're obviously targeting the sale of players like Berge, of players who are unhappy and unlikely to go to the Championship."
Berge has appeared over 50 times in the Premier League with the Clarets and Sheffield United.
Jadon Sancho backed to stay by journalist
Jadon Sancho could stay at Manchester United beyond this summer, according to journalist Nizaar Kinsella. The English forward has endured mixed times at Old Trafford since arriving in the summer of 2021.
While he has made up with Ten Hag after their public fallout last year, the player remains linked with an exit this summer. Reports suggest that PSG have their eyes on the 23-year-old, while he has also been linked with a move to Juventus.
Speaking Tutto Juve, BBC journalist, Kinsella added that the Bianconeri are unwilling to match Sancho's asking price this summer.
“I think he will stay there in the end, even if United would accept an offer deemed fair by the interested clubs. Juventus are not willing to pay that amount and would prefer to set up a loan with an option, unlike the Red Devils who would like to sell him permanently.
"PSG could be the right situation, but I remain convinced that he could stay in Manchester in the end,” said Kinsella.
Sancho spent the second half of last season on loan with Borussia Dortmund.
Red Devils have to sell defender to sign Matthijs de Ligt, says journalist
Manchester United have to offload a defender to sign Matthijs de Ligt this summer, according to journalist Dharmesh Sheth. The Red Devils have been in talks for the Dutch midfielder all summer, although a move is yet to materialise.
Ten Hag is well aware of De Ligt's qualities from their time together at Ajax. It's believed that the player also wants to move to Old Trafford. The Premier League giants, though, are yet to strike a deal with Bayern Munich, who are willing to let the player leave for a proper fee.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, though, Sheth added that Manchester United will have to create space in their squad as well as their budget to accommodate the 24-year-old.
"Manchester United will obviously be having talks with Bayern Munich and Matthijs De Ligt's representatives.
"However, it would probably require Manchester United to sell a central defender that's on the books at the moment to create budget and to create squad space," said Sheth.
He continued:
"That's what would have to happen before they went for someone like Matthijs De Ligt.
"I'm told it's not entirely to do with a knee-jerk reaction on Leny Yoro because he is actually going to come back at some stage. We expect him to be available again in the next three months."
Manchester United had their eyes on Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite but have apparently been priced out of a move.