Manchester United Transfer News Roundup: Red Devils receive Matthijs de Ligt boost; Fulham eyeing Scottish ace, and more - July 2, 2024
Manchester United failed to impress in the 2023-24 campaign, finishing eighth in the Premier League. However, Erik ten Hag's team ended the season on a high by beating Manchester City in the FA Cup final.
Meanwhile, the Red Devils have received a boost in their efforts to sign Bayern Munich centre-back Matthijs de Ligt. Elsewhere, Fulham have set their sights on United midfielder Scott McTominay.
On that note, here's a look at the key Manchester United transfer stories as on July 2, 2024:
Manchester United receive Matthijs de Ligt boost
Matthijs de Ligt is eager to move to Old Trafford this summer, according to acclaimed transfer guru Fabrizio Romano. Manchester United are looking for a new centre0back this summer following Raphael Varane's exit.
Ten Hag had his eyes on Jarrad Branthwaite, but a move for the Everton man has been deemed too expensive. De Ligt has emerged as an alternative to the English defender.
The Dutch defender registered 30 appearances across competitions for Bayern Munich last season and could apparently be allowed to leave this year. The 24-year-old is under contract with the Bavarians till 2027 but is likely to cost less than Branthwaite.
On The Debrief podcast, Romano stated that De Ligt is ready for a reunion with Ten Hag at Old Trafford.
"Matthijs De Ligt is in the list for sure. Man United already, around Friday, Saturday, made contact with the agents of the player to understand also whether the player was keen to maybe leave Champions League football for the upcoming season, but accept Manchester United project," said Romano.
He continued:
"What I’m hearing is that Matthijs De Ligt is absolutely keen on this possibility, also knowing when the manager something important for him to accept Manchester United."
Romano added that the Red Devils now have to strike a deal with the Bundesliga giants for the Dutch defender.
"Now it’s on the clubs. So Man United will decide how they want to proceed in conversations with Bayern, waiting to understand how much can be the correct fee to make things happen.
"But for sure, Matthijs De Ligt looks like most likely signing for Manchester United in that position rather than other players who can be too expensive,” said Romano.
The Premier League giants have recently ended their pursuit of Ronald Araujo, as they want to concentrate on De Ligt, according to reports.
Fulham eyeing Scott McTominay
Fulham are plotting a move for Scott McTominay this summer, according to GIVEMESPORT. The Scottish midfielder is no longer a first-team regular under Erik ten Hag, but enjoyed a decent 2023-24 campaign with Manchester United.
McTominay scored 10 goals and set up three in 43 games across competitions. However, he has entered the final year of his contract, and his future remains up in the air.
The Red Devils tried to offload the 27-year-old last summer amid interest from West Ham United, but he ended up staying at Old Trafford. The Premier League giants are open to his departure this year, and Fulham are interested.
Marco Silva is looking to bolster his options in the Cottagers' midfield this summer and has identified McTominay as an option. Manchester United could let him leave for a decent fee, but their asking price remains unknown.
Red Devils in talks for Manuel Ugarte, says Fabrizio Romano
Manchester United have their eyes on Manuel Ugarte, according to Fabrizio Romano. The Uruguayan midfielder could be allowed to leave Paris Saint-Germain despite only arriving last year.
The Red Devils are looking for a new midfielder this summer, with Casemiro's future up in the air. Recent reports have suggested that the Premier League giants have identified Ugarte as an option.
The 23-year-old enjoyed a decent debut campaign with the Parisians, registering 37 appearances across competitions. The player's contract with the Ligue 1 champions expires in 2028, but he could be the ideal replacement for Casemiro.
On The Debrief podcast, Romano said that the Premier League giants have a good chance of signing Ugarte this summer.
"PSG are prepared to keep the green light in case they receive a good permanent deal proposal.
"And what I’m hearing is that also Ugarte would be keen on joining Manchester United. So in this case, it depends on Man United whether they really want to go for Ugarte," said Romano.
He continued:
"They made contact on both player and club side in this case, because they also made contact with Paris Saint-Germain last week. Let’s see if they can find a way.
"Let’s see if Man United decide to go for him. But for sure, he’s one of the names for the midfield. And I would still keep an eye on Casemiro, who could maybe leave United this summer.”
Ugarte could be a superb partner for Kobbie Mainoo at the heart of Ten Hag's midfield.