Manchester United Transfer News Roundup: Red Devils pushing for Matthijs de Ligt, PSG eyeing English ace, and more - August 1, 2024
Manchester United have secured the services of Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee this summer. However, Erik ten Hag remains in the market for further reinforcements as he looks to get his team back to the top.
Meanwhile, the Red Devils are likely to step up their efforts to sign Matthijs de Ligt. Elsewhere, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) are interested in an English forward.
On that note, let's look at the major Manchester United transfer stories from August 1, 2024.
Manchester United pushing for Matthijs de Ligt
Manchester United are likely to speed up their pursuit of Matthijs de Ligt following the recent injury to Leny Yoro, according to GIVEMESPORT. The Red Devils invested heavily on Yoro this summer. However, the youngster picked up an injury in their pre-season game against Arsenal, which is set to sideline him for three months.
The situation has forced new sporting director Dan Ashworth into action. The Premier League giants have been in contact with Bayern Munich for the Dutch defender earlier this summer. Ten Hag is open to a reunion with his former player, who is also ready to move to Old Trafford.
However, talks have been put on hold for a while. Bavarians' reportedly want £42m to let their prized asset leave, but Manchester United are looking to include add-ons in their proposal. However, things could now speed up following Yoro's injury.
PSG eyeing Jadon Sancho, says Fabrizio Romano
PSG have identified Jadon Sancho as a possible alternative to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, according to acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano. The English forward has resolved his differences with Erik ten Hag at Manchester United, but his future at Old Trafford remains up in the air.
Sancho has struggled to live up to expectations since his move from Borussia Dortmund in 2022. He spent the second half of last season back at the Signal Iduna Park after a fall out with Ten Hag.
Despite being reintegrated into the squad for the pre-season tour, the Red Devils are expected to be open to his departure. Meanwhile, the Parisians have identified Kvaratskhelia as an option to upgrade their attack, but the player is unlikely to leave Napoli this summer.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Romano added that Sancho is one of the options currently being pursued by the Ligue 1 champions.
“Jadon Sancho is on PSG's list. He is one of the players they have on the list for that position. The list, since May, has had one name on top for that left-wing position, and it’s Kvaratskhelia. But they know, and they understand, that Kvaratskhelia is an almost impossible deal. I would even remove ‘almost’, because Napoli will not let him go," Romano said.
He continued:
“The president and head coach Antonio Conte consider Kvaratskhelia a crucial player, and they will offer him a new deal. Kvaratskhelia is not leaving, and PSG have started exploring other options. Sancho is one of them.”
Sancho is under contract with Manchester United until 2026.
Former player unimpressed by Rasmus Hojlund
Former Manchester United striker Dwight Yorke doesn't believe Rasmus Hojlund is the right man to lead the line for the Red Devils. The Danish striker arrived at Old Trafford from Atalanta last summer and endured a mixed 2023/24 campaign.
The Red Devils lacked a proven No.9 in their ranks for a while and Hojlund was given the responsibility to get them firing. The 21-year-old scored 16 goals and set up two more from 43 games across competitions in his debut season.
Manchester United have already signed Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna this summer to improve their attack. Hojlund has been handed the No.9 shirt and is expected to lead the line in the upcoming campaign.
However, as cited by EPL Index, Yorke insisted that the Dane is not the answer for his former club.
“I agree with Michael Owen, I think it’s going to be very difficult for Hojlund to be a 20-goal a season striker from what I’ve seen and I think it will never happen. He’s still young but even watching him at Euro 2024, he’s lacking something. I’m not quite sure what it is. He’s not got that X factor that you look for in strikers,” said Yorke.
He continued:
“I think he’s a good player. I think that’s the category I would put him in as he’s still very developing and there is huge hope for the kid and I wish him the best but I’m not seeing it just yet. I hope he surprises me but I have my doubts about it. I just think that is he going to be Manchester United’s saviour? The answer is no."
The Danish striker picked up an injury in the pre-season game against Arsenal and is expected to be sidelined for six weeks.