Manchester United Transfer News Roundup: Red Devils not in talks for French ace, club suffer Jarrad Branthwaite blow, and more - July 21, 2024
Manchester United finished eighth in the Premier League last season, but won the FA Cup. Erik ten Hag has since had his contract at Old Trafford extended and is working to improve his squad over the summer.
Meanwhile, the Red Devils are not in talks to sign a French midfielder at the moment. Elsewhere, the English giants have suffered a setback in their efforts to sign Jarrad Branthwaite this summer.
On that note, let's look at the major Manchester United transfer stories from July 21, 2024.
Manchester United not in talks for Adrien Rabiot, says Fabrizio Romano
Manchester United are not in talks to sign Adrien Rabiot, according to acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano. The French midfielder is a free agent this summer following the expiry of his contract with Juventus.
Erik ten Hag is in the market for a new midfielder this year, with Scott McTominay, Casemiro, and Christian Eriksen all staring at uncertain futures. Rabiot's availability on a free transfer makes him an enticing option for the Dutch manager.
The Red Devils have also been linked with a move for Manuel Ugarte, who has apparently been put up for sale by Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). The Uruguayan midfielder could be a fine replacement for Casemiro at Old Trafford.
In his column for Caught Offside, Romano added that the Premier League giants have already agreed personal terms with Ugarte.
“Manuel Ugarte said yes to Manchester United a few days ago – they’ve reached an agreement with the player and his agent Jorge Mendes, who also represents Leny Yoro. Ugarte wants to go to Man United and so now they’re negotiating with PSG – also because United know that PSG are advancing well in talks to sign a new midfielder – Joao Neves,” wrote Romano.
He continued:
“So, it could be one in and one out in the PSG midfield as Ugarte is an option for Man United. However, I don’t have any substantial update on Adrien Rabiot and Man United now, despite links. The player’s camp is talking to several clubs after leaving Juventus on a free transfer, but at the moment I’m not aware of anything imminent with Man United.”
Rabiot is apparently being eyed by Real Madrid and Barcelona as well.
Red Devils suffer Jarrad Branthwaite blow
Manchester United will have to match Everton's asking price to sign Jarrad Branthwaite this summer, according to The Athletic. The English defender has caught the eye at Goodison Park in recent times and has apparently turned heads at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils have already invested in Leny Yoro this summer, but could be open to more defensive reinforcements. Recent reports have suggested that Erik ten Hag wants a reunion with Matthijs de Ligt and United have already agreed personal terms with the player.
However, the Premier League giants have also had their eyes on Branthwaite for a while. Manchester United initially offered £50m, including add-ons, for the 22-year-old, but it was rejected by the Merseyside club. Everton are willing to let him go, but will only consider a deal on their own terms. Recent reports have suggested that the Toffees want £70m for the Englishman.
Jadon Sancho's future remains uncertain, says Fabrizio Romano
Jadon Sancho's future remains undecided at the moment, according to Fabrizio Romano. The English forward spent the second half of last season on loan at Borussia Dortmund following a fallout with Erik ten Hag.
However, the Dutch manager recently hinted that they have sorted out their differences this summer. Sancho has already joined up with the club's pre-season training and was part of the starting XI against Rangers in Saturday's pre-season friendly.
In his column for Caught Offside, Romano added that the 24-year-old could end up staying at Old Trafford.
"There’s a chance for Jadon Sancho to stay at Manchester United – a lot will depend on the next weeks. Pre-season, feelings with the manager, performances…he has chances to stay. Interest from other clubs remains but there have been no official bids so far, so it’s still quiet," wrote Romano.
He continued:
“Sancho’s decision to clarify with Erik ten Hag also shows how they can be ready to continue together, but it depends on what happens in the next weeks.”
Sancho is under contract with the Premier League giants until 2026.