Manchester United have been busy in the transfer market, signing André Onana from Inter Milan, Jonny Evans from Leicester City and Mason Mount from Chelsea, and they’re closing in on their fourth acquisition of the summer.
Simon Stone of BBC Sport says United have agreed a deal worth up to £72m with Atalanta for Rasmus Hojlund. The 20-year-old is coming off the back of a promising debut season in Italy and looks to have a bright future
Erik ten Hag recognises the importance of signing a centre-forward after Cristiano Ronaldo had his contract terminated last year while Wout Weghorst’s loan deal wasn’t turned permanent months ago.
Anthony Martial is the only natural centre-forward at Ten Hag’s disposal, although Marcus Rashford can operate in the makeshift role, so it’s no surprise that another striker is being brought in.
Martial scored six goals from 21 league games last season and endured multiple injuries, so he’s not a player Ten Hag can trust in 2023/24. The 26-year-old won’t be sold, however, as he’s still useful as a squad player.
But with Manchester United scoring less goals than seven other top-flight clubs (58) last season, it’s obvious where they need to strengthen.
According to the BBC, Hojlund will cost United an initial £64m plus £8m in potential add-ons. He will sign a deal until 2028 with the option of another season. Reports from Italy say the Danish international will earn €5m-a-year (£3.5m-a-year) in wages.
Fabrizio Romano says Man Utd are now making preparations for Hojlund to undergo his medical and the two clubs are expected to exchange documents in the next 24-48 hours.
Hojlund has played for Brondby, Holbaek, FC Copenhagen (32 games, 5 goals) and Sturm Graz (21 games, 12 goals, 4 assists) before joining Atalanta in 2022 where he’s netted 10 times with four assists from 34 appearances.
He scored nine goals in 20 Serie A starts last season, so it’s easy to see why United want him. Hojlund won’t come cheap, however, so it’s a gamble by the Red Devils to pay so much.
Nevertheless, Ten Hag has signed a goalkeeper, centre-back and central midfielder this summer, so bringing in a centre-forward will complete the spine.
Also….
90min confirmed earlier this month that United were also looking to address some issues in central midfield, and had opened talks with Fiorentina over Amrabat, who helped his club reach the final of last season’s Europa Conference League and was a standout player for Morocco at the 2022 World Cup.
Those talks are continuing to be held, 90min understands, although United do not have a clear run at Amrabat’s signature.
La Liga heavyweights Atletico Madrid are also interested in signing a new defensive midfielder and have him on a three-player shortlist of targets alongside Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Marco Verratti – though the latter now seems destined to join Al Hilai in Saudi Arabia.
Indeed, Spanish sources believe they are a very real threat to United’s pursuit of Amrabat
Amrabat is almost a player for Manchester United! He affirms the agreement with a yes! He will now be paired with Casemiro, according to Erik Ten Hag
United are also working hard on moving on some of their squad players, and progress is being made in regards to selling Fred to Turkish giants Galatasaray.
The Brazilian’s departure would free up valuable room on United’s wage bill, and after an opening bid from Gala was turned down, negotiations are ongoing between the two parties.
Sources have told 90min there’s a confidence of that deal eventually being agreed, which is a key factor in United progressing their move for Amrabat.
United have already signed Mason Mount and Andre Onana in big-money deals this summer – moves made to strengthen United’s squad ahead of a return to the Champions League.
Also…
Man Utd takeover LIVE: Glazers’ Sheikh Jassim response, Kim Min-Jae transfer ‘hijack’, Amrabat admission
The Manchester United takeover saga took a fresh twist this week when Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al-Thani lodged a fifth bid for the club, however, the Glazers have yet to respond
While the club’s unpopular American owners take their time over a decision, Erik ten Hag is working hard to try and get deals done ahead of the summer transfer window, which officially opens next week.
The Red Devils are in the market for a quality striker but also have designs on strengthening other areas of their squad, too. A surprise deal for Mason Mount appears to be edging closer after the club agreed personal terms with the Chelsea star, who will be allowed to leave Stamford Bridge for the right price.
Ten Hag performs Lindelof u-turn
Lindelof, 28, emerged as a key player under Ten Hag in the latter stages of the season, deputising at centre-back after Lisandro Martinez suffered a serious metatarsal injury in April. The Swedish defender impressed alongside the likes of Raphael Varane and Luke Shaw, helping United secure a third-place finish in the Premier League and reach the FA Cup final.
Pre-season schedule takes shape
In case you missed it, Manchester United have added another assignment to their pre-season schedule.
The Red Devils will take on Spanish side Athletic Club in Dublin on Sunday August 6, a week before the start of the Premier League season.
They are also set to play Leeds, Lyon, Arsenal, Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund throughout pre-season.
Previously linked with a takeover at Old Trafford, Thomas Zilliacus has (once again) confirmed that he has pulled out of the process.
He tweeted: “XXI Century Football Capital focuses on football investments. We know how to make clubs successful and profitable and how to make fans happy. We focus on big clubs with a large fan base. We are profit oriented as only profitable clubs are successful in the long run.
“XXI Century Football Capital believes the price of Manchester United has reached levels where investments no longer make sense. We therefore have turned our attention to other clubs.”
Sheikh Jassim bid to ‘remain live’
Despite the self-imposed deadline for Sheikh Jassim’s bid, it appears that the offer will remain on the table for the foreseeable future.
According to The Guardian, the Qatari will not fully walk away even if he doesn’t hear back. His offer, that is reportedly below the Glazers’ £6bn asking price, will remain live beyond today.
Glazers to respond to Sheikh Jassim
Sheikh Jassim will only have to wait a little while longer to find out if his final bid for Man United is successful.
According to Proactive, the Qatari billionaire will be told if his offer is accepted by the end of play today.
Should he not be then it is reported that he will stop engaging with the process.
McTominay opens up on Ten Hag influence
Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay has hailed Erik ten Hag for his influence on the side during his first 12 months at Old Trafford.
Talking to the Red Devils’ official website, he said: “Obviously, the transition in terms of his style is very, very different to some other coaches, but, as I say, that’s football. He’s always having you thinking, and having you think about new ideas and stuff like that.
“It’s good, that’s the best way to be with football: open-minded and going into every game, if he asks you to do something, you do it to the best of your abilities and you try to learn it as best as you can. I think, for me, it’s great. I love it.”
Fernandes demand speaks volumes
Manchester United coach Benni McCarthy has praised Bruno Fernandes for driving standards in training after revealing that the Portuguese midfielder requested extra finishing drills.
Fernandes, 28, quickly established himself as one of United’s most influential players after joining the club back in January 2020 and enjoyed a standout season under Erik ten Hag, often donning the captain’s armband in the absence of Harry Maguire.
Read what he had to say here
Foster pens new Wrexham deal
Former Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster has extended his stay with Welsh side Wrexham following their promotion.
He has put pen to paper on a new one-year deal with the EFL side.
Fernandes demand speaks volumes
Manchester United coach Benni McCarthy has praised Bruno Fernandes for driving standards in training after revealing that the Portuguese midfielder requested extra finishing drills.
Fernandes, 28, quickly established himself as one of United’s most influential players after joining the club back in January 2020 and enjoyed a standout season under Erik ten Hag, often donning the captain’s armband in the absence of Harry Maguire.
Read what he had to say here
Foster pens new Wrexham deal
Former Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster has extended his stay with Welsh side Wrexham following their promotion.
He has put pen to paper on a new one-year deal with the EFL side.
Harry Maguire doubles down on decision
Harry Maguire has once again made a vow to stay and fight for his place with Manchester United.
The Red Devils was expected to leave Old Trafford this summer after losing his place under Erik ten Hag last term. Tottenham were linked with a move for him.
However, according to talkSPORT he has now decided to stay with the club and fight for his role.
Man Utd lose out on Laimer
After seeing Alexis Mac Allister move to Liverpool yesterday, the Red Devils have lost out on another former target.
Former RB Leipzig midfielder Konrad Laimer has moved to Bayern Munich on a free transfer. He has signed a four-year deal.
He was previously linked with a switch to Old Trafford.
Ten Hag eyes Liverpool revenge
Back in January, the Daily Mail reported that Klopp had attended a meeting with Sofyan Amrabat’s representatives with a view to a transfer, but failed to get a deal done. And Ten Hag, who worked with the player at Utrecht when he was coming through the ranks, is now keen to be reunited with him at Old Trafford.
Newcastle eye Kim Min-Jae hijack
Manchester United could face late competition to sign Napoli star Kim-Min Jae from Newcastle.
The Red Devils looked to be edging towards a move for the South Korean defender with the Italian side resigned to losing him. He looks likely to still be on the move but Eddie Howe is looking to make a late play for his services.
That is according to talkSPORT, who suggest that Newcastle are keen to bolster their defence this summer and could pay Kim’s release clause.
VAR to change next season
Manchester United are set to be impacted by VAR and offside decisions in the Premier League.
Four extra offside cameras are set to be used at every game in the Premier League next season in an effort to overcome the problem of a ‘blind spot’ in the current technology.
However, the semi-automated system that was used with great success at the World Cup will not be seen.
Take a look at the latest here
Man Utd’s takeover reality bites
The reality of Manchester United’s ownership statuts has dawned on them with a deal for Declan Rice faltering.
As it stands, the Red Devils cannot afford to sign the West Ham and England star according to The Athletic. He has a price tag of around £100m, with Premier League rivals Arsenal expected to crank up their interest over the coming days.
Rashford’s classy message after West Ham win
Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford was pleased to see Michail Antonio win the Europa Conference League.
Antonio tweeted: “15 years ago I was playing non league football and now I’m here. Everyone has opinions but ultimately it’s yours that matters the most. Believe in yourself”
Rashford responded to the forward with the heart emoji.
City touch down in Turkey ahead of treble bid
Nervous about Saturday night United fans?
Manchester CIty will attempt to match the treble feat of Sir Alex Ferguson’s 1998/99 team by beating Inter Milan in the Champions League final. And Pep Guardiola’s men have arrived in Turkey.
City touch down in Turkey ahead of treble bid
Nervous about Saturday night United fans?
Manchester CIty will attempt to match the treble feat of Sir Alex Ferguson’s 1998/99 team by beating Inter Milan in the Champions League final. And Pep Guardiola’s men have arrived in Turkey
Ronaldo misses out on Saudi Pro League team
Cristiano Ronaldo scored 12 goals in his 14 league appearances for Al-Nassr after leaving Manchester United, but his efforts weren’t enough it seemes.
The 38-year-old has missed out on a place in the Saudi Pro League team of the season.
Up front in his place? Former United player Odion Ighalo.
United fans one day from a decision
A reminder that Sheikh Jassim wants a decision on his newly submitted bid by the end of Friday.
That’s less than 28 hours away.
Will United fans finally learn of a decision tomorrow?
United balking at Brentford price for Raya
Sky Sports News are reporting that neither Manchester United or Spurs want to pay Brentford’s £40 million asking price for David Raya.
Man United want another keeper with David de Gea’s future uncertain, but aren’t prepared to make the Spaniard the fourth most expensive stopper of all time.
United consider sending Greenwood on loan
Manchester United are considering sending Mason Greenwood out on loan for the 2023/24 season.
The club’s internal investigation into the striker, who saw charges of attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault dropped in February, is still ongoing.
However, Mail Sport understands that officials are exploring options to sen the 21-year-old abroad for up to a year, with Italy, Spain and Turkey the three likeliest destinations.
Man Utd coach Benni McCarthy warns club against “crime”
United coach Benni McCarthy has declared it would be a crime for the club to allow David de Gea to leave this summer.
Speaking to 947 Joburg, he said: “He kept 17 clean sheets in the league. Yes, of course you’re going to concede but to win the Golden Glove for yet another season is remarkable.
“It would be a crime if Man United lose a goalkeeper like David de Gea.”
A twist in the race for Declan Rice
This could perk the interest of Manchester United.
Arsenal have long led the race for Declan Rice, but their summer spending could now be hindered after a transfer issue came to light.
The Timesare reporting it is unclearc how much manager Mikel Arteta will be able to spend this summer, as the north London club owe about £150 million on past transfers, according to the latest company accounts.
One week from Premier League fixtures
The 2022/23 Premier League season is just about over, but United fans can soon start planning their trips for the next campaign.
Next Thursday, the 2023/24 fixtures will be released.
Erik ten Hag probably won’t want Brighton and Brentford first up….
