If there is one thing which has remained consistent over the years, it is Manchester United’s ability to attract players. While there have been some who got away, the temptation to join the Red Devils remains an attractive one.
New investors Ineos are leading the pursuit of new signings, and while none have been sealed yet, attracting them is not the issue.
Four players want Manchester United move
Manchester United have sights set on four new signings, and would like to get all four over the lines.
These are deals for Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee, Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte, Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite, and Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt.
The negotiations with Everton look most problematic in terms of price, and a second bid submitted for Jarrad Branthwaite may not be enough.
In United’s favour, is Branthwaite’s desire to sign, claimed to be ‘agitated’ by the delays. Branthwaite has already agreed personal terms, per The Times, and is very keen on a switch.
Similarly, Matthijs de Ligt also wants to sign, with Manchester United looking to add two centre-backs.
Per Fabrizio Romano, De Ligt has given the green light to a Manchester United deal, and personal terms are not expected to be a problem.
He is ready for a fresh challenge away from Bayern Munich, where he could reunite with his former Ajax boss Erik ten Hag. De Ligt has turned down interest from Paris Saint-Germain.
De Ligt’s international teammate Joshua Zirkzee is even closer to a move. He has rejected interest from AC Milan and Arsenal and is closing in on a move. The Dutch press claims Zirkzee’s move will be sealed once Euro 2024 concludes.
Manuel Ugarte is Manchester United’s key midfield target. And while he has only been at PSG for one year, Manuel Ugarte is ready to move to Manchester United.
Romano tells his podcast: “The player is keen on the move, keen on trying an experience in the Premier League.
“He’s open to going to Manchester United, even if they don’t play Champions League football.”
A test of negotiating and budgeting for Manchester United
It is testament to the optimism surrounding the Ineos and Erik ten Hag project that the club can hone in on preferred targets, and find they all want to join. This is even with the promise of a more sensible and restrained wage structure than in the past.
The challenges lie ahead in terms of getting these deals over the line, and accruing funds in player sales to make them all financially possible.
It might be that one of these four deals is not possible. Perhaps the funds won’t stretch far enough, or United will simply impose their own cap in terms of how far they will go.
What the desire of these players shows, is that if United have to switch targets and look at a new player, then convincing them to join is the easy part.
