Manchester United are reportedly ramping up their transfer activity this summer with a flurry of moves said to be on the cards
Manchester United’s summer is poised to intensify considerably as the club gears up to wrap up its opening deal of the transfer window. Yet there will be little time for relaxation as a raft of other moves await completion.
There’s a palpable sense of urgency at Old Trafford as Michael Carrick seeks to persuade Bruno Fernandes to commit to new terms with United. The club has reportedly drawn up plans to showcase its ambitions as a title challenger, and a burst of transfer business could achieve precisely that.
One uncertainty amongst the transfer bounty is Marcus Rashford, whose destiny could find resolution following scheduled discussions this week. Mirror Football examines all of that and more as the freshest stories from around Old Trafford emerge, reports the Mirror.
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In what appears to be an endless stream of developments concerning Rashford, United are also preparing for discussions over the forward’s situation. The Daily Mail report the meeting is pencilled in for this week between the England winger and his club with the goal of providing some clarity regarding his next step.
All involved parties appear fully aware of the current circumstances. Both Rashford and Barcelona manager Hansi Flick are keen for him to remain at the Camp Nou after a fruitful loan spell, during which he scored 14 goals and registered 14 assists for the club. It’s long been established that Barca will need to cough up a £26million fee to secure the England forward on a permanent basis. Earlier in the year, it was reported that the Catalans tried to haggle this figure down, but United showed no interest in such negotiations.
Recent reports also suggested that Barcelona would prioritise another season-long loan before making the move permanent next summer. However, United have no appetite for another loan deal and are focusing on a sale if Rashford is to depart.
Once a cherished figure at United, the 28 year old fell out of favour under the likes of Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim. Carrick is believed to be open to the player’s return, though Rashford’s ideal scenario is to ink a long-term contract at the Camp Nou.
This week’s discussions should shed more light on the situation, including the potential for Rashford to move somewhere other than Catalonia. Jose Mourinho is reportedly keen to sign the player if he assumes the role of Real Madrid manager, although the club’s ongoing elections are delaying that speculated appointment.
Rashford’s sale is reportedly just one of seven transfers United have in the pipeline as part of a comprehensive overhaul this summer. Another is the acquisition of Atalanta midfielder Ederson, who is thought to be on the brink of signing in a deal worth around £40m.
The i Paper has reported that United have drawn up a shortlist of midfield signings they’re eyeing this summer. This could see any two from Mateus Fernandes, Carlos Baleba or Sandro Tonali join the ranks, in addition to Ederson, who is reportedly already in agreement over personal terms.
Carrick’s team seem to have little confidence in signing the likes of Elliot Anderson or Adam Wharton, despite recent rumours. Instead, a player like Fernandes would be far more achievable given West Ham’s relegation, while Tonali might be within grasp as Newcastle urgently seek funds after failing to secure European qualification.
Baleba was linked with a move to United last summer before the club recoiled at Brighton’s alleged £100m valuation of the player. It’s thought that figure has significantly reduced since then, but it remains uncertain whether United maintain the same interest following an inconsistent season on the south coast.
As for which players could be offloaded to fund these acquisitions, The i Paper named Manuel Ugarte, Joshua Zirkzee and Andre Onana as three potential sources of substantial revenue. This is in addition to the sale of Rashford, whether it’s Barcelona or another interested party who takes the leap.
It’s understood United are prepared to part ways with Ugarte before his value drops any further, having failed dramatically to warrant his £50m transfer fee. Zirkzee was reportedly considering his future earlier this year when Roma expressed interest, though he has since pledged his commitment to the Old Trafford project.
Casemiro’s departure alone will release approximately £16m annually as United seek to replace his midfield contributions. And it may require more than a single midfield acquisition to completely fill the gap he’s poised to leave this summer.
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