Manchester United Transfer News Roundup: Red Devils in talks for PSG ace, club pushing to sign Noussair Mazraoui, and more - August 4, 2024
Manchester United finished eighth in the Premier League last season and won the FA Cup. Erik ten Hag is currently working to improve his squad before the start of the new campaign.
Meanwhile, the Red Devils are engaged in talks to sign a Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) midfielder. Elsewhere, the Premier League giants are eager to complete a move for Noussair Mazraoui in the coming days.
On that note, let's look at the major Manchester United transfer stories from August 4, 2024.
Manchester United in talks for Manuel Ugarte, says Fabrizio Romano
Manchester United remain in talks with PSG to secure the services of Manuel Ugarte this summer, according to acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano. The Red Devils have identified the Uruguayan midfielder as the ideal addition to their midfield.
Erik ten Hag is eager to bring in a new face to partner Kobbie Mainoo in the middle of the park. Casemiro is no longer the player he once was, and could be on his way out this summer. Scott McTominay also remains linked with an exit from Old Trafford while Christian Eriksen's future hangs in the balance.
Ugarte could be a fine addition to the Dutch manager's kitty and is apparently willing to join the Premier League giants. The Parisians are close to securing the services of Joao Neves from Benfica and the Uruguayan has now been deemed surplus to requirements. Manchester United are eager to prise the 23-year-old away.
Speaking on his Playback channel, however, Romano insisted that the Red Devils are yet to reach an agreement with their Ligue 1 counterparts for the move.
"So I can confirm to you tonight that there is an agreement still valid between Manuel Ugarte and Manchester United on the contract. Manuel Ugarte wants to go to Man United," Romano said (via GiveMeSport).
He continued:
"Now Man United have to reach an agreement with Paris Saint-Germain, and it means on transfer fee. So at the moment, the contact, direct contact, between Man United and PSG, is still ongoing. It's a positive contact, but still no agreement on the transfer fee."
Ugarte appeared 37 times across competitions for the French champions last season but is no longer part of Luis Enrique's plans.
Red Devils pushing to sign Noussair Mazraoui as per journalist
Manchester United are hoping to complete a move for Noussair Mazraoui in the coming days, according to journalist Santi Aouna. The Moroccan right-back has emerged as a priority target for Erik ten Hag this summer.
The Dutch manager wants an upgrade on Aaron Wan-Bissaka and has settled on his former player for the job. The Englishman is on his way to West Ham United, if reports are to be believed, and his departure has opened up room for Mazraoui.
The Red Devils have reportedly scheduled a medical for the Bayern Munich player on Tuesday (August 6). The 26-year-old has already agreed to a long-term deal with the Premier League giants, although a few details are yet to be addressed. Ten Hag wants the player in his squad in time for the Community Shield final between Manchester United and Manchester City on Saturday (August 10).
Bayern Munich sporting director opens up on Matthijs de Ligt's future
Bayern Munich sporting director Max Eberl has remained coy about Matthijs de Ligt's future. The Dutch defender remains heavily linked with a reunion with former manager Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford this summer.
Manchester United already welcomed Leny Yoro to their backline last month, but are also in talks to sign De Ligt. The French defender's left foot injury in pre-season has accelerated the need to sign the Dutchman. The 24-year-old has reportedly agreed on personal terms with the Red Devils, who have struggled to agree a transfer fee with the Bavarians.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Eberl said it wasn't yet time to talk about a move to Old Trafford.
“I will comment on that (possible move to Manchester United) when the time comes. It’s not that time yet. Matthijs played very well here for two years and that’s why many fans like him. Nevertheless, you have to think about how you decide and also how the boy feels. He is still a player for FC Bayern. And as long as he is, he will get all the support from us,” Eberl said.
De Ligt is under contract at the Allianz Arena until 2027, so the Bundesliga giants are under no pressure to let him go.