£60 Million Striker Offer, Major Sale, and Matt Hargreaves’ Involvement – Current State of Manchester United Transfers
£60m Striker Bid, Major Sales, and Hargreaves’ Role – Man Utd Transfer Situation
Manchester United Transfer Update – Old Trafford’s Busy Summer
A busy summer is anticipated at Manchester United, with potential departures including Casemiro, Marcus Rashford, and club captain Bruno Fernandes.
Current Transfer Activity
Despite the season still ongoing, Manchester United’s transfer business is already active, signaling a significant squad overhaul.
New Football Structure
Under the new football operations led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos, Sir Dave Brailsford is participating in transfer discussions. Incoming chief executive Omar Berrada and potentially new sporting director Dan Ashworth, along with technical director Jason Wilcox and head of transfer negotiations Matt Hargreaves, are actively involved.
Unprecedented Activity
This summer could see an unprecedented level of activity, despite uncertainty around the managerial position.
Strengthening Key Positions
United aim to strengthen central defense, midfield, and attack, focusing on players who can immediately join the starting XI. With Raphael Varane leaving and other center-backs possibly exiting, finding the right central defenders is crucial. In midfield, due to Casemiro’s decline, a central midfielder who can protect the back four is essential. Up front, Rasmus Hojlund needs support as Anthony Martial is set to leave, necessitating another central striker.
Other Potential Areas
Full-back positions are less of a priority but still under consideration, especially if Aaron Wan-Bissaka departs. Amad’s recent form might reduce the need for a wide player. With many squad members potentially for sale, a large overhaul is expected.
Linked Players
Numerous players have been linked with United. Juventus defender Gleison Bremer, Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite, Bayer Leverkusen’s Edmond Tapsoba and Jeremie Frimpong are being monitored for defense. Midfield targets include Everton’s Amadou Onana, Benfica’s Joao Neves, and Juventus’ Adrien Rabiot. In attack, Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise and Bologna’s Joshua Zirkzee are options, with a significant £60m bid for Brentford’s Ivan Toney reported.
Potential Departures
Almost everyone is up for sale, with Andre Onana, Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho, and Hojlund being exceptions. Outgoing loanees like Hannibal Mejbri, Donny van de Beek, and Facundo Pellistri have no future at the club. Jadon Sancho and Mason Greenwood’s futures are uncertain, with possible moves abroad. Veterans like Tom Heaton, Wan-Bissaka, and Victor Lindelof might be moved on, along with Christian Eriksen and possibly Casemiro.
Bruno Fernandes’ Uncertain Future
Bruno Fernandes’ situation is particularly intriguing. Despite expressing a desire to stay, his future is uncertain. Interest from Inter Milan, Bayern Munich, and Saudi clubs could lead to a significant bid, potentially altering United’s summer spending capabilities.
Young Talent Targeted
United are also scouting young talents like Sunderland’s Chris Rigg and Port Vale striker Bayley Dipepa. Additionally, they are interested in AC Milan starlet Francesco Camarda, although post-Brexit rules delay any potential transfer until he turns 18.