Manchester United Transfer News Roundup: Red Devils not planning Erik ten Hag sack, club want Lewis Dunk, and more - September 8, 2024
Manchester United are looking ahead to their Premier League game against Southampton on Saturday, September 14. Erik ten Hag's team cannot afford to drop more points after already losing two of their three league games this season.
Meanwhile, the Red Devils are not planning to part ways with Erik ten Hag at the moment. Elsewhere, the English giants are interested in Brighton & Hove Albion defender Lewis Dunk.
On that note, let's look at the major Manchester United transfer stories from September 8, 2024.
Manchester United not planning Erik ten Hag sack, says journalist
Manchester United have no plans to sack Erik ten Hag following a poor start to the new campaign, according to transfer insider Ben Jacobs. The Red Devils invested heavily in the squad over the summer, bringing in Leny Yoro, Joshua Zirkzee, Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui and Manuel Ugarte.
However, the Premier League giants have already lost three of their four games this season in all competitions. Questions have been raised about Ten Hag's suitability to lead the club back to their heydays. There have already been calls for the Dutch manager's head from multiple quarters.
However, speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jacobs insisted that Manchester United were willing to be patient with Ten Hag.
“Right now, all parties, Ten Hag included, feel like patience is needed. This is a transitional period, and the success of the new model and Ten Hag’s fit within it is not going to be apparent within one summer or a few games into a new season. It's going to take time," said Jacobs.
He continued:
“Leny Yoro got injured, Ugarte hasn't played yet. Zirkzee, I think, has only started one Premier League game. Luckily for Ten Hag, Mazraoui and De Ligt he knows very well. It's a building process that nobody thinks is going to happen overnight."
He concluded:
“At least if Omar Berrada and Dan Ashworth’s public comments are to be believed, having taken a long time to back Ten Hag, they’re not going to get rid of him this early in the season, so he's safe for now.”
Ten Hag guided his team to an FA Cup triumph last season, but the Red Devils finished eighth in the league.
Red Devils want Lewis Dunk
Manchester United are considering a move for Lewis Dunk in 2025, according to Fichajes. The Red Devils could part ways with Harry Maguire, Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof at the end of this season.
The Premier League giants want to reinforce their backline next summer and have identified Dunk as an option. The Englishman's contract with Brighton & Hove Albion expires in 2026 and he could be available in a cut-price move next summer.
Manchester United are particularly impressed by the 32-year-old's experience and leadership qualities and those are the attributes they want to add to their squad. Dunk has appeared 462 times for the Seagulls to date and has also scored 31 goals.
The Englishman's goal threat also makes him an enticing prospect for the Red Devils. However, they are likely to face severe competition for the 32-year-old if he becomes available in 2025.
Newcastle United eyeing Antony
Newcastle United have set their sights on Antony, according to Caught Offside. The Brazilian forward has been a disappointment since arriving at Manchester United from Ajax in 2022.
Antony has registered just 11 goals over two seasons for the Red Devils and is no longer a first-team regular. The Premier League giants are willing to let him go and Newcastle are interested.
Eddie Howe is looking to add more bite to his attack in 2025 and has his eyes on Anthony Elanga. If a move for the Swede doesn't materialise, the Magpies will turn to the Brazilian.
Despite his struggles with Manchester United, Howe is convinced that he can get the best out of Antony. The 24-year-old is reportedly willing to move to St. James' Park to resurrect his career. The Red Devils are likely to let him go for £40m, and Newcastle are ready to match that asking price.