Manchester United are working tirelessly behind the scenes to try and strengthen their squad ahead of the start of the upcoming Premier League campaign.
United will get the 2024/25 campaign up and running in the opening game of the new season against Fulham at Old Trafford on August 16. The Reds are determined to put last season's struggles behind them and mount a top four push.
The Reds have added two new faces to their squad so far this summer, drafting in Leny Yoro from Lille and Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna, and they are desperate to increase that tally as soon as possible. The addition of a holding midfielder is now their leading objective.
United, who face Manchester City in the Community Shield at Wembley on Saturday, are being linked with a plethora of names, including Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi, AS Monaco midfielder Youssouf Fofana and Sander Berge of Burnley.
They are also continuing to work on a deal for Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt. United verbally agreed personal terms with the Dutchman last month.
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Isaac Seelochan
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Isaac Seelochan
Ivan Toney 'interest'
Manchester United are reportedly still interested in signing Brentford striker Ivan Toney this summer.
According to Forbes It is thought this interest stems from the injury Rasmus Hojlund suffered during the pre-season tour of the United States.
The report adds that United would be looking at paying approximately £40m should they wish to bring Toney to Old Trafford. With money tight though, it is unclear whether Ineos would green light this move considering he is 28.
Isaac Seelochan
Bruno shows true colours
Bruno Fernandes has been pushing his Manchester United teammates to their limits since returning to training this pre-season.
Fernandes, 29, reported back to Carrington on Friday alongside Alejandro Garnacho, Altay Bayindir and Diogo Dalot. They joined Joshua Zirkzee, who got to work at the start of last week and have since welcomed Facundo Pellistri, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw and Kobbie Mainoo.
Now, on Wednesday, footage of Fernandes motivating members of the squad during their gym sessions has been shared on social media by the club. The video begins with Bayindir ready to use the chest press machine, with his captain in close attendance.
Read the full story here
Isaac Seelochan
Frenkie de Jong has already made feelings clear on United
Frenkie de Jong has recently discussed his Barcelona future amid transfer links with Manchester United.
The Dutch midfielder is once again being linked with a move to Old Trafford, two years after United agreed a fee with Barcelona to sign him only for the deal to fall through. De Jong knows United boss Erik ten Hag well from their time at Ajax together where the Eredevise side reached the Champions League semi-finals in 2019.
ManchesterWorldclaims that United have made a tentative approach to ascertain De Jong's availability. It is said that the Reds are open to a deal if a fee around the £30million-£40m mark can be agreed, although new Barca boss Hansi Flick is reportedly keen to keep him.
Read De Jong's thoughts here
Tom Coley
Thoughts on McTominay
Keifer MacDonald writes:
It would seem that McTominay's Manchester United career is coming to an end, with Fulham eager to land the Scotland international this summer.
However, United are well within their rights to demand £30m for McTominay, who has been one of the most consistent performers at Old Trafford in recent years.
However, a move away from his boyhood club seems appropriate, as United are targeting a midfield overhaul themselves.
Tom Coley
Yoro support
Here's what several of the United players have said to their new teammate after his surgery:
Bruno Fernandes: "We'll be waiting and supporting you"
Rasmu Hojlund: "Back strong my bro"
Yoro himself wrote: “This is not the start I wanted, but that’s football. The operation went well. Thank you for your many messages of support
."Now, time for patience and rehabilitation work. See you soon, stronger.”
Steven Railston
The truth cannot be ignored with Toney transfer links
United have spent €112.5million (£96.8m) on two players in this transfer window.
Joshua Zirkzee was the first new face through the door when he signed from Bologna last month and Leny Yoro came next, joining from Lille on a five-year contract.
United are financially restricted in this summer transfer window and must sell players to offset further incomings, as club sources have reiterated when discussing transfer activity.
READ MORE HERE
Jack Flintham
United told to avoid Toney bid
Former Liverpool star John Barnes has urged United not to bid for Brentford striker Ivan Toney declaring him to not be the answer to the Reds' problems this summer.
Barnes told bonuscodebets.co.uk:
I don’t think signing a striker is the solution to the issues at Manchester United. I think it’s more of an issue for Arsenal who need a presence in the penalty area in terms of the way they play. The problem with United is that Onana is overworked which is to do with their shape when they haven’t got the ball. Having the energy and the willingness to work back. I don’t think United need a striker. They’ve got Hojlund who is young and has shown some promise last season. Toney is a good player but he won’t solve their issues.
Jack Flintham
United 'remain interested' in Toney
According to Forbes, United are remaining hopeful they will be able to sign Ivan Toney this summer.
Following Hojlund's injury in pre-season, the Reds are believed to be hopeful of securing another striker and the Englishman is towards the top of their list.
While United 'remain interested' in the Bees' striker it remains to be seen whether they will be willing to match the price tag of £40m for the forward.
George Smith
United 'threatening to walk away' from De Ligt talks
According to a report by GiveMeSport, United are 'threatening to walk away from negotiations' with Bayern Munich for Matthijs de Ligt.
United are keen to add to their centre-back ranks before the end of this summer's transfer window and De Ligt is their top target. The Reds verbally agreed personal terms with him last month.
However, it is now being reported that United will not 'entertain bowing' to Bayern's demands.
George Smith
United 'not preparing offer' for Fofana amid links
According to a report by Attacking Football, United are 'not thought to be preparing an offer' to sign AS Monaco midfielder Youssouf Fofana.
United have been credited with interest in the Frenchman, with one report claiming they have held "initial talks" with Monaco about the prospect of signing him.
However, this latest report has claimed United are not in a position where they are prepared to make an opening bid.
The report adds that AC Milan are still 'leading the chase' for his services.
George Smith
Community Shield security latest ahead of United vs City amid UK riots
Both United and the Football Association are adopting a business as usual approach to the Community Shield at Wembley this weekend, amid widespread riots and chaos in parts of the country.
Disorder around the UK has increased over the last week and prime minister Sir Keir Starmer has condemned the riots, promising those involved would face 'the full force of the law'.
Greater Manchester Police have arrested 28 people allegedly involved in rioting across Manchester last weekend and the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, released a statement on Wednesday morning to speak out against different locations in London being targeted by protestors.
Click here to read the full story.
George Smith
United's opening five Premier League fixtures
United will get their 2024/25 Premier League campaign up and running at home to Fulham in just over a week's time.
United will welcome the Londoners to Old Trafford for the opening game of the new season on Friday, August 16.
With that said, here is a quick reminder of United's opening five league fixtures of the upcoming season...
- vs Fulham (H) - August 16
- vs Brighton & Hove Albion (A) - August 24
- vs Liverpool (H) - September 1
- vs Southampton (A) - September 14
- vs Crystal Palace (A) - September 21
George Smith
Ugarte compared with former Liverpool ace
South American football expert Tim Vickery has likened Paris Saint-Germain star Manuel Ugarte to former Liverpool and Argentina midfielder Javier Mascherano.
United are keen to strengthen their midfield options ahead of the transfer window closing later this month and Ugarte is understood to still be on their wish list, despite suggestions elsewhere a deal has 'collapsed'.
Praising Ugarte, Vickery told Sky Sports:
"He reminds me a lot of a young Javier Mascherano. I don't think he's quite as good but he's that type of player. I like him very much and I like him for United very much."
Steven Railston
OPINION: United are running out of time to fix their biggest problem from last season
"United have put last season behind them and there is a clean slate going into 2024/25, but there will be alarm bells ringing if a flurry of shots are conceded on the opening day. The problem was down to tactical and personnel failures and must be addressed. Erik ten Hag must find a way to tighten up the midfield and replacing Casemiro seems crucial. To suggest Casemiro was the sole reason for the number of shots conceded would be harsh and wrong, but his drop-off was undoubtedly a factor in the team's regression last term. In the space of 12 months, Casemiro went from being regarded as one of the finest defensive midfielders in Europe to pundits suggesting it was time for him to retire."
Click here to read more from United writer Steven Railston.
George Smith
'Lines of communication' between United and PSG 'remain open' for Ugarte
According to a report by HITC, 'lines of communication' between United and Paris Saint-Germain concerning a deal for Manuel Ugarte 'remain open'.
United are determined to add to their midfield options ahead of the transfer window closing later this month and Ugarte has been their top target over the last few weeks.
Despite reports elsewhere claiming that a deal for the Uruguay international has 'collapsed', HITC insists that all is not lost just yet.
The report adds that he remains United's 'first choice' to strengthen their holding midfield options.
George Smith
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George Smith
New referee confirmed for Community Shield clash
Australian referee Jarred Gillett will take charge of Saturday's Community Shield clash between United and Manchester City at Wembley, the Football Association has announced.
John Brooks was originally appointed to take charge of all the all-Manchester clash, but he has been forced to pull out because of an injury.
As a result, Gillett has been promoted from fourth official to oversee matters in the middle. Sam Barrott has been installed as the new fourth official.
George Smith
United 'considering' Ederson swoop
United are 'considering' a move for Atalanta midfielder Ederson, according to a report by GiveMeSport.
The Reds are determined to strengthen their midfield options ahead of the transfer window closing at the end of this month. They have been strongly linked with Paris Saint-Germain ace Manuel Ugarte over the last few weeks, but it has been widely reported that United have been forced to turn their attention elsewhere because of the French club's demands.
As a result, it is now claimed that Ederson, 25, is on their radar. The report states that United manager Erik ten Hag is now 'mulling' over the prospect of attempting to bring him to Old Trafford.
He made 53 appearances for Atalanta last season, helping them win the Europa League. He chipped in with seven goals.
George Smith
Fulham 'back away' from McTominay pursuit
According to a report by 90Min, Fulham have 'backed away' from their pursuit of United midfielder Scott McTominay.
After scoring 10 goals for United last season, the Scotland international currently ranks as one of the club's most sellable assests in their quest to raise funds via player sales.
Fulham have submitted three bids for the midfielder so far, all of which have fallen short of United's valuation; they value him in region of £25million-£30m.
Fulham are reportedly not prepared to match United's valuation, meaning they have now cooled their interest in the Reds academy graduate.
George Smith
United 'target midfield trio after Ugarte deal 'collapses'
According to a report by The Independent, United have 'turned their attention' to AS Monaco's Youssouf Fofana, Fiorentina ace Sofyan Amrabat and Sander Berge of Burnley in their quest for a new midfield signing.
United are desperate to bolster their holding midfield options ahead of the transfer window slamming shut at the end of this month.
To solve that mission, United had hoped to secure a deal for Paris Saint-Germain's Manuel Ugarte. However, a move for him is said to have 'collapsed' after the French club refused to lower their asking price.
George Smith
OPINION: I heard what Van Nistelrooy said about the United squad - he's exactly what they need
"Although Ruud van Nistelrooy, 48, has only been back in Manchester less than a month, he has already made a positive impact on the training ground. Club sources have said he has oozed authority and veterans Tom Heaton and Jonny Evans have waxed lyrical about him. Having spent five years at Old Trafford, establishing himself as one of the club's most prolific strikers, winning four major trophies and working with Sir Alex Ferguson, he knows what comes with the responsibility of wearing a United shirt. He knows the expectation levels are through the roof and that exceptionally high standards have to be maintained."
Click here to read more from United writer George Smith.
George Smith
Zubimendi a 'target' for Liverpool amid United interest
Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi has 'emerged as a target' for Liverpool, according to a report by The Times.
As revealed by the Manchester Evening News last month, United have expressed interest in signing the Spain international to strengthen their midfield options. United are desperate to sign a new midfielder before the transfer window closes later this month.
It is reported that Zubimendi, who helped Spain win the European Championship earlier this summer, has a release clause of £51million.
George Smith
Order our United preview guide
United are now just over a week away from raising the curtain on their 2024/25 Premier League campaign.
Erik ten Hag's side will take on Fulham in the opening game of the new campaign at Old Trafford on Friday, August 16.
Ahead of the big kick-off, our team of writers have produced a pre-season supplement to celebrate the start of the new season.
You can order your copy by clicking here.
George Smith
United 'holding out' on McTominay price
According to a report by The Indepdendent, United are 'holding out for £30million' for Scott McTominay this summer.
The midfielder is continuing to be linked with the possibility of an exit ahead of the transfer window slamming shut in just over three weeks time.
Fulham have tabled three offers for the Scotland international, who scored 10 goals for United last term, and Galatasaray have also been heavily linked with his signature.
United remain keen on adding new faces to their squad this summer before the bell, but that is likely to be dictated by player sales. McTominay is one the most sellable assets within their squad.
George Smith
Juventus 'still considering' Sancho swoop
According to a report by Italian publication Corriere dello Sport, as cited by TUTTOmercatoWEB, Juventus are continuing 'internal discussions' about the possibility of signing United ace Jadon Sancho.
The winger has been heavily linked with a move to the Serie A club at various stages during this summer's window, but French outfit Paris Saint-Germain have recently moved into pole position in the race to secure his signature.
However, the latest report coming out of Italy claims that Juventus are not giving up on signing the former Borussia Dortmund man. It is claimed they are 'considering the prospect' of signing him before the window closes later this month.
George Smith
Latest odds on Branthwaite's future
Despite already adding a centre-back to their ranks this summer, United remain keen on adding to their defence before the transfer window shuts later this month.
They are understood to be still working on a deal for Bayern Munich's Matthijs de Ligt, who is their top target, but reports linking them with Jarrad Branthwaite are continuing to persist.
With that said, courtesy of Betfair, here are the latest odds on which club Branthwaite could join before the transfer window shuts...
- Manchester United - 3/10
- Real Madrid - 6/1
- Liverpool - 11/1
- Tottenham Hotspur - 12/1
- Chelsea - 22/1
- Manchester City - 25/1
- Newcastle United - 28/1
George Smith
OPINION: Tactical experiment, three-man battle - Ten Hag's four selection dilemmas at United
"While the voids that need filling at centre-back and up front are a result of injuries, Erik ten Hag has competition for places in the wide areas, with three players directly competing for two spots. Antony will also be refusing to give up on a start. Aside from those four positions, United's first-choice starting line-up picks itself. Andre Onana is a guaranteed starter in goal, Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw will occupy the full-back spots and the midfield is likely to be made up of Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes."
Click here to read more from United writer George Smith.
KEY EVENT
United's £2bn Old Trafford plan takes intriguing new twist
United plan to keep Old Trafford as a reduced capacity stadium amid plans to build a brand new stadium.
Although Sir Jim Ratcliffe has tasked staff with formulating plans for a new stadium, United want to preserve the history of the existing Old Trafford site rather than demolishing it.
Old Trafford could be scaled down to a 30,000-all-seater stadium. It currently holds 75,000 and United Women's final game of last season against Chelsea attracted a crowd just short of 30,000.
Click here to read the full story.
George Smith
United 'plotting' Toney bid
According to a report by Football Insider, United are 'plotting a late bid' for Brentford striker Ivan Toney ahead of the transfer window closing in just over three weeks time.
Despite already strengthening their attacking options with the addition of Joshua Zirkzee earlier this summer, United are continuing to be linked with the possibility of adding to their forward line, with Bees ace Toney gaining plenty of attention.
Out of contract at the Gtech Community Stadium in less than a year's time, it is thought Toney could leave the club before the end of this summer. It is reported that Brentford have 'reduced' their asking price to £50million, down from £70m.
As a result of the other areas within the squad that United need to strengthen before the window shuts, finances will dictate whether the addition of another forward is possible or not.
