Monday morning DEAL Done 98% – Fabrizio Romano has published that Man United must COMPLETE two transfer deals, terms agreed, medical checks this week, shirt number confirmed
Manchester United appear keen to bring more than just a midfielder to Old Trafford this summer after agreeing a deal to sign Mason Mount.
Who could Man United sign this summer?
Talk of Mount’s transfer from Chelsea naturally dominated early talk of the transfer window.
But Erik ten Hag and Co. are still working behind the scenes, and a switch from Sofyan Amrabat is also on the table.
According to RAI Sport (via Football Italia), United are ready to double the player’s salary to lure him into English football. Having said that, they will have to shell out the 30 million euros requested by Fiorentina.
What is Sofyan Amrabat’s style of play?
The Moroccan was a star player at the Winter World Cup in Qatar as his country reached the semi-finals with an extraordinary run.
Eventually he was named to the Football FanCast Team of the Tournament, voted for by readers.
Now an attractive proposition for United, a £26m fee would be a bargain for a 26-year-old who has fantastic qualities. At the end of the season, he took Declan Rice ‘to school’ in the Europa Conference League final, although his side ended up losing that top flight 2-1.
All the good things the team did in this match came from Amrabat and it only reinforced the claim that he was the epitome of a great player. He showed that at the World Cup, where he averaged 2.3 tackles per game, more than any other midfielder on the list.
Compared to other players in the same position in Europe’s top five leagues, this is not an area where Amrabat usually excels. In fact, according to FBref, the Fiorentina star is in the bottom 33% on this metric every 90 minutes.
So what does he offer? Well, ranked in the top 5% for pass completions and the top 8% for progressive passing, this is a player who is remarkably composed and has great vision.
He is an orchestra conductor, thinks Andrea Pirlo, sitting down to dictate the piece. He is in the top 2% for medium pass success and the top 1% for long pass success.
Rarely involved in the final third, the Moroccan is in the worst 34% for shot-creating plays, but he likes to pillage opponents. As such, he is in the top 12% for progressive carry distance and in the top 18% for overall carry distance. With that in mind, he could well be Casemiro’s ideal partner in United’s midfield.
The brawny Brazilian has been a revelation since arriving in English football, ranking in the top 4% of midfielders across Europe for tackles, blocks, clearances and headers won.
the case
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Man Utd make David de Gea resolution amid Dean Henderson Nottingham Forest wait
Manchester United are reportedly still in discussions with David de Gea over extending his contract amid Nottingham Forest’s interest in signing Dean Henderson.
That’s according to talkSPORT who claim that United could look at allowing De Gea in their books. The Spaniard’s deal officially became invalid today after 12 years at Old Trafford.
De Gea initially agreed terms on a fresh contract which included a lower salary before the club reportedly backed out. United have also reportedly held talks with Inter Milan over Andre Onana, with the Serie A outfit demanding €50million (£43m) plus add-ons for his signature.
However, after signing Mason Mount from Chelsea in a deal worth £55m plus add-ons, the club will reportedly have to sell to finance Onana’s move. Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is said to be open to selling Fred, Harry Maguire and Scott McTominay.
With that being said, United could look at keeping their number one which could help boost Henderson’s move to the City Ground. Forest remain keen on making sure Henderson’s transfer on a permanent basis, however, the delays have seen the club turn their attention elsewhere.
A number of goalkeepers have been said to be linked with a move to Trentside in recent weeks, including Braga’s Matheus Magalhaes and Trabzonspor’s Ugurcan Cakir.
Fans, who would you like to see Forest sign as their number one? Tell us in the comments section…
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Man Utd birthday boy with astonishing Quality, Impact, Courage shown last season
In Alejandro Garnacho, Manchester United have found an excellent talent on which to plan their future success.
The Argentine celebrates his 19th birthday today, 15 months on from making his debut during a 1-1 draw with Chelsea under Ralf Rangnick.
But it was under Erik ten Hag that Garnacho’s development vaulted forward and, after an initial settling-in period that seemingly involved plenty of tough love, the winger became a valuable member of the first team squad at the tender of of 18.
Despite the manager lacking attacking options right at the start of last season, and despite the obvious talent of the academy graduate, Garnacho did not make his first start for Man United until late in October, with his manager and teammates pointing to a marked improvement in his attitude once his time eventually came.
That first start against Sheriff Tiraspol gave Old Trafford a taste of things to come, with his direct approach to the game a refreshing chance of pace from some of United’s other options. His determination to beat his marker and attack the penalty area on the ball evoked memories of the likes of Ryan Giggs and Andrei Kanchelskis – the sort of exciting wide players adored by the Red Army over the years.
His group stage winner against Real Sociedad – the first of Garnacho’s six goals so far – was everything fans want to see in a young attacker: sheer pace and enthusiasm to latch onto a through ball, the strength to hold off his man, and the ingenuity to surprise the keeper with a supposedly-weak-foot finish into the top corner. The fact that he was assisted by Cristiano Ronaldo – whose number seven shirt could soon be his – makes the narrative all the sweeter.
All that was missing was the right result. United needed a two-goal cushion to top their Europa League group that evening and Garnacho’s impact was not enough to secure it. But barely a week later he more than made up for that, bagging the winner against Fulham from the substitutes’ bench to send fans off to the World Cup with tongues wagging over United’s newest wonderkid.
He had already proven the quality, now he had proven the impact. Next up he had to prove what sort of stage he could shine on. The biggest, it turns out.
In the Manchester derby in January, when The Red Devils’ form was at its peak, a win over The Citizens was needed to keep the momentum going. It looked to be slipping away when Garnacho was introduced after the 70 minute-mark, with United 1-0 down. A goal from Bruno Fernandes levelled things up soon after, but it was the youngster who put the winner on a plate for Marcus Rashford.
Latching onto a pass from the Portuguese playmaker, Garnacho went on to do his thing, driving at the box, squaring up Nathan Ake, and using an exceptional blend of strength and skill to flummox his marker and create the all-important space needed to open the lane to Rashford.
Alejandro Garnacho ended the season scoring six times and assisting thrice in all competitions, making for a direct goal involvement roughly every 134 minutes.
If he can maintain that kind of output next season, when he is expected to seem more regular action for both club and country, Manchester United and Argentina – along with their fans and managers – are certainly in for a treat.
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Manchester United takeover latest as Sheikh Jassim’s plan scrutinised
Man United’s takeover saga does not look close to ending as the Glazers continue to mull over the bids on the table
Manchester United owners the Glazers are continuing to mull over the offers on the table as fans wait for clarity on the situation.
Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani and Sir Jim Ratcliffe are both waiting for the American family to make a decision on which bid they will accept. The Qatari banker’s approach is thought to be in the lead after some reports this week suggested Avram and Joel Glazer had warmed to the idea of a full sale.
While details of the bidders’ plans are scarce, reports have suggested Sheikh Jassim has a few policies which he would like to implement if he beats Ratcliffe to the takeover. MEN Sport has taken a look at his plan as well as other headlines below.
Sheikh Jassim’s plan for United takeover
Manchester United’s protracted takeover continues to rumble on and has reached its eighth month following the Glazers’ announcement to “explore strategic alternatives for the club” back in November.
British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe was the first interested party to throw his hat into the ring to become the club’s next owner, with Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani also entering a bid to purchase the club. Since then a further four rounds of bidding have taken place with the two billionaires vying to be named preferred bidder by US investment firm Raine Group, which is handling the sale.
Sheikh Jassim is offering to take 100 per cent control of United, while Sir Jim Ratcliffe would take a controlling stake that would allow Joel and Avram Glazer to stay ahead of a phased departure in the future. Any new regime would likely make big changes behind the scenes, with both parties promising to return United to the pinnacle of world football.
After submitting his initial bid for the club in February, a statement from Sheikh Jassim’s camp read: “The bid plans to return the club to its former glories both on and off the pitch and – above all – will seek to place the fans at the heart of Manchester United Football Club once more.
Also read…
Manchester United bidder Sheikh Jassim
Manchester United owners the Glazers are continuing to mull over the offers on the table as fans wait for clarity on the situation.
Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani and Sir Jim Ratcliffe are both waiting for the American family to make a decision on which bid they will accept. The Qatari banker’s approach is thought to be in the lead after some reports this week suggested Avram and Joel Glazer had warmed to the idea of a full sale.
While details of the bidders’ plans are scarce, reports have suggested Sheikh Jassim has a few policies which he would like to implement if he beats Ratcliffe to the takeover. MEN Sport has taken a look at his plan as well as other headlines below.
Also read…
Sheikh Jassim’s plan for United takeover
Manchester United’s protracted takeover continues to rumble on and has reached its eighth month following the Glazers’ announcement to “explore strategic alternatives for the club” back in November.
British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe was the first interested party to throw his hat into the ring to become the club’s next owner, with Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani also entering a bid to purchase the club. Since then a further four rounds of bidding have taken place with the two billionaires vying to be named preferred bidder by US investment firm Raine Group, which is handling the sale.
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Sheikh Jassim is offering to take 100 per cent control of United, while Sir Jim Ratcliffe would take a controlling stake that would allow Joel and Avram Glazer to stay ahead of a phased departure in the future. Any new regime would likely make big changes behind the scenes, with both parties promising to return United to the pinnacle of world football.
After submitting his initial bid for the club in February, a statement from Sheikh Jassim’s camp read: “The bid plans to return the club to its former glories both on and off the pitch and – above all – will seek to place the fans at the heart of Manchester United Football Club once more.
Also read…
Ratcliffe’s verdict after Glazers meeting
Sir Jim Ratcliffe described Joel and Avram Glazer as “proper gentlemen” following his first meeting with the Manchester United owners.
The owner of petrochemical firm INEOS is hoping to purchase the Old Trafford outfit from the Glazers, although he will have to beat Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani in order to do so. The current regime announced their decision to sell up all the way back in November, with the takeover process now set to enter its eighth month.
Five rounds of bidding have taken place, with both bidders’ teams meeting with the current owners following the first round of bidding back in March. Failsworth-born Sir Jim attended those meetings in person.
The British billionaire has held a public interest in purchasing the club he supported as a boy for some time but submitted a bid for Chelsea last year before Roman Abramovich eventually sold to Todd Boehly’s consortium as he believed the Glazers wouldn’t be selling up any time soon. That view came about after Sir Jim met Avram and Joel – and he gave a glowing assessment of the pair as he shared details of the meeting last year.
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Four free agent wildcards Manchester United could target in summer transfer window
Money is tight for Manchester United this summer but these additions could add depth to the squad at a fraction of the price
As Manchester United fans will be well aware, money is currently tight as Erik ten Hag looks to strengthen his squad.
Mason Mount will become the Reds’ first summer signing after a fee of £55m plus £5m of add-ons was agreed with Chelsea. United are pleased with the deal and are hopeful they will not need to cut back when it comes to other priority positions.
However, the Reds will be competing in four competitions again this season including the Champions League. This means strength in depth will be crucial.
With Financial Fair Play concerns, United will need to sell some players in order to potentially spend big which could leave gaps in back-up positions. MEN Sport has taken a look at four players who became free agents on Friday, June 30 who could fill those spots if needs be.
Jerome Boateng
At 34, it is fair to say the former Bayern Munich central defender’s best days are now behind him. Last season, he made just eight appearances for Lyon leading to his exit this summer.
With Harry Maguire potentially heading out of the club, United will need a fourth-choice centre back to cover and who better than Boateng who has been there and done it. Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane have the central defensive positions locked down and Victor Lindelof is able to fill in frequently when needed.
The German would add experience to the dressing room and would come relatively cheap.
Daichi Kamada
Midfield acquisitions are on the cards this year as Marcel Sabitzer returns to Bayern and Fred is eyed up by Fulham. Mount is already in the bag but 26-year-old Kamada would be a stellar signing for the Reds.
His 16 goals and seven assists epitomised his brilliant campaign at Eintracht Frankfurt who were unable to keep him in the Bundesliga. Kamada also excelled at the World Cup with Japan, showing he has what it takes to play at the highest level.
As well as playing in central and attacking midfield, Kamada can also be utilised on the left wing making him the ideal utility man for United.
Ellyes Skhiri
Another man who was plying his trade in Germany last year was experienced Tunisian international Skhiri. The defensive midfielder was a mainstay in the FC Koln team and impressed too.
Despite being the anchor in the side, the 28-year-old notched a highly impressive eight goals last season. Skhiri possesses enough quality to cover Casemiro next season and would be an option Ten Hag sorely lacked last year when the Brazilian was suspended.
Adama Traore
Signing Traore would be the personification of a wildcard option. Last season was not his best year with Wolves but his association with the Midlands club looked to be running out when he joined Barcelona on loan in 2022.
On his day, there is no player who strikes the balance of strength and speed quite so well as the Spaniard. At 27, there is still time for him to show what he can do.
There are few full-backs in the world who would relish the prospect of facing a fresh-legged Traore for the final 30 minutes of a match and if he was to sign, this would likely be the extent of his role at Old Trafford.
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Frank Lampard has told Manchester United what to expect from Mason Mount
Man Utd will soon welcome Mason Mount from Chelsea but there are still some with concerns over the deal
Manchester United will soon welcome Mason Mount to Old Trafford after a transfer move from Chelsea was agreed.
A fee of £55m plus £5m worth of add-ons has been agreed between the two clubs and United are understood to be delighted the deal is now over the line. Some critics of the deal have pointed towards the money which the Reds are forking out for the Englishman as being too much.
However, at 24, Mount remains a player with plenty of potential which the Reds can tap into in the coming years. This is not the first time the Portsmouth native has been defended from criticism though.
In April, his interim boss Frank Lampard leapt to the defence of his midfielder after it was suggested his ability did not match the prices being banded around for him. The Chelsea legend used a press conference to retort: “I’m not going to tell anyone what opinion they should have on football, but if anyone thinks Mason Mount is not already a top-level player then I’m not sure what they’re seeing.
“From working with Mason – you can ask myself, you can ask Thomas Tuchel, you can ask Gareth Southgate, you can ask Graham Potter – it’s clear he’s a top player and a top lad. One thing I know about Mason, the first thing a top player should have is a real hunger to succeed and play and do well for Chelsea, and he’s had that since the first day I took him to Derby. That’s simple for me. He’s still a young player. He can go even further, but he’s already a top player.”
United’s transfer fee reflects the potential which Chelsea saw in him and, when split over the six-year contract he is due to sign, Mount will cost less than £10m per year if he does not succeed in bringing silverware to Old Trafford.
What is also being overlooked too is his experience of winning on the big stage. At 24, Mount already has the Champions League in his trophy cabinet and this experience will be vital if the Reds are to push towards their previous glory.
In short, Mount’s signing is a calculated risk which, if it pays off, will cost just £60m over several years. With an attacking midfielder needed and an aim to bring younger players into the club, Erik ten Hag could have done a lot worse.