Manchester United Transfer News Roundup: Red Devils receive Youssouf Fofana boost, club retain Ivan Toney interest, and more - August 13, 2024
Manchester United finished eighth in the Premier League last season, but have opted to keep their trust in Erik ten Hag. The Dutch manager won the FA Cup in May, and is working to improve his squad over the summer.
Meanwhile, the Red Devils have received some good news in their pursuit of Youssouf Fofana. Elsewhere, the English giants have retained their interest in Ivan Toney.
On that note, let's look at the major Manchester United transfer stories from August 13, 2024.
Manchester United receive Youssouf Fofana boost
Youssouf Fofana prefers to join Manchester United this summer, according to Football Insider. The Red Devils are looking for a new midfielder this summer amid concerns about Casemiro's form. The Brazilian was a shadow of his former self last season and remains linked with an exit from Old Trafford.
The Premier League giants are already in talks with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to sign Manuel Ugarte as Casemiro's replacement. The Uruguayan midfielder is eager to join Erik ten Hag's roster as well, but his exorbitant price tag could force the Dutchman to look elsewhere.
Acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano has already confirmed that Manchester United have drawn up a shortlist of alternates to Ugarte. Fofana is also on their radar, following some fine work with Monaco in recent times.
The 25-year-old has entered the final year of his contract with the Ligue 1 side and isn't expected to sign a new deal. Recent reports have suggested that Monaco could let him go for £30m, which will also suit the English giants.
Fofana is also wanted by AC Milan, but the player is eager to move to Old Trafford this summer. Ugarte remains the Red Devils' preferred target at the moment, but should a move fail to materialize, Erik ten Hag could turn to the Frenchman.
Red Devils retain Ivan Toney interest, says journalist
Manchester United haven't closed the door on Ivan Toney, according to transfer insider Ben Jacobs. Erik ten Hag moved quickly this summer to secure the services of Joshua Zirkzee to bolster his attack.
The Dutch manager also has Rasmus Hojlund in his squad, although the Danish striker is expected to be sidelined for a couple of months with injury. Toney has admirers at Old Trafford, but it was previously believed that the club won't pursue a deal this year after Zirkzee's arrival.
The 28-year-old's contract with Brentford expires in 2025 and he hasn't signed a new deal. Despite his episode with illegal betting last season, the player's stock remains high.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jacobs said that the Red Devils could move for Toney next summer if he doesn't sign an extension.
“Manchester United's priority is not necessarily an attacker, unless Antony or Jadon Sancho departs. Adding a midfielder is still seen as more important. Joshua Zirkzee was signed because he is viewed as far more than just a number nine and can be used across the frontline," said Jacobs.
He continued:
“Manchester United do still like Ivan Toney, though, and could wait for him to enter free agency in 2025 should other suitors not move in the final three weeks of the window. It will also depend on the price with Toney, but if he becomes available at the right value, Manchester United will consider him even with Zirkzee at the club now.”
Toney is proven in the Premier League and could help Ten Hag implement a more direct approach if a move materializes.
Manchester United set Scott McTominay price
Manchester United want £25m for Scott McTominay this summer, according to The Athletic. The Scottish midfielder has failed to cement his place in the starting XI under Erik ten Hag and could be allowed to leave this year.
McTominay rose through the ranks at Old Trafford and has appeared over 250 times for the English giants so far. Last season, he scored ten goals and set up three more from 43 games across competitions. However, the player continues to divide opinion among fans.
Ten Hag is already in the market for midfield reinforcements, so the 27-year-old's situation isn't going to get better in the upcoming campaign. United are now willing to let him go to raise funds for further additions.
There's no dearth of interest in the Scot, who has admirers at Fulham, Napoli, Everton, Brentford, Galatasaray, and Fenerbahce. It was previously reported that the player has a £30m price tag on his head, but it now appears that he will be allowed to leave for less. McTominay's homegrown status could also benefit the Red Devils in a potential sale, as it will help them adhere to the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules.