Manchester United Transfer News Roundup: Red Devils receive Manuel Ugarte boost, PSG eyeing English ace, and more - June 30, 2024
Manchester United are working to add more quality to their squad this summer after an underwhelming 2023/24 campaign under Erik ten Hag. Despite winning the FA Cup, an eighth-placed finish in the Premier League left a bad taste in the mouth for everyone involved with the club.
Meanwhile, the Red Devils have received a boost in their efforts to sign Manuel Ugarte. Elsewhere, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) have set their sights on an English forward this summer.
On that note, let's look at the major Manchester United transfer stories from June 30, 2024.
Manchester United receive Manuel Ugarte boost
Manchester United have received a boost in their efforts to secure the services of Manuel Ugarte this summer. According to journalist Diego Munoz, PSG manager Luiz Enrique has asked the Uruguayan midfielder to find a new club.
Ugarte joined the Parisians from Sporting last summer and registered 37 appearances across competitions. Recent reports have suggested that the 23-year-old has turned heads at Old Trafford and has been identified as a possible replacement for Casemiro.
Speaking recently, as cited by Caught Offside, Munoz backed the Red Devils to win the race for Ugarte.
“He is close to United. Ugarte is not going to continue at PSG. Luis Enrique has already told him that he is not going to take him into account,” said Munoz.
He continued:
“He was not comfortable with the team either, and so options open up. PSG want to release Ugarte to someone who will put part of the money that they invested in the Uruguayan footballer and Manchester United is willing, and given this, they are most likely his future team”
The 23-year-old is ready to join Manchester United this summer, according to multiple reports.
PSG eyeing Marcus Rashford
PSG are considering a move for Marcus Rashford this summer, according to talkSPORT. The English forward's future has been subject to speculation following an underwhelming campaign.
Rashford was a shadow of his former self in the 2023/24 season, scoring eight goals and setting up five more from 43 games across competitions. Despite his struggles, the player's stocks remain high.
The Parisians are long-term admirers of the 26-year-old and have now identified him as a possible replacement for Kylian Mbappe. The French superstar finally completed his long-awaited move to Real Madrid this summer.
The Ligue 1 champions are looking to make a statement signing ahead of the new campaign and have their eyes on Rashford. The Englishman rose through the ranks at Old Trafford and remains a key figure at the club.
The Red Devils are not actively looking to offload him, but they could have their head turned should PSG arrive with a premium offer for the 26-year-old.
Red Devils in talks for Matthijs de Ligt, says Fabrizio Romano
Manchester United are in talks with Matthijs de Ligt's camp regarding a possible move this summer, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano. Erik ten Hag is eager to bolster his backline after an underwhelming 2023/24 campaign.
Raphael Varane's departure has accelerated the recruitment process. Romano has previously suggested that the Red Devils have their eyes on Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite.
However, the Toffees reportedly want £70m for the 21-year-old, which has forced Manchester United to look at other targets. De Ligt's future at Bayern Munich remains uncertain and he has been named as a possible target.
In his column for Caught Offside, Romano stated the Dutchman remains focused on Euro 2024, so an outcome to talks regarding his future is likely to be delayed.
“Matthijs de Ligt to Manchester United could be one to watch this summer as we know they’ve been exploring the market for centre-backs. There’s now been contact between Man United and De Ligt’s representatives, but we may have to wait a bit longer for something more concrete to happen,” wrote Romano.
He continued:
“At the moment De Ligt doesn’t want any distraction during the Euros, but for sure Man United made contact with his agent to understand the situation. United are considering a move – nothing is decided yet but he’s one of the names on their list. There’s still no proposal from United or any other club."
He concluded:
“Jarrad Branthwaite remains on the list at United too, but the £70m fee required by Everton is still considered too expensive. Let’s see if De Ligt can be signed on more favourable terms, or if they consider other alternatives in that position as well.”
De Ligt is under contract with the Bavarians until 2027.