United Beyond Manchester

One thing was clear after Manchester United’s pre-season performances: help is needed. As Leny Yoro and Rasmus Hojlund went down with injuries, the Reds failed to earn positive results in three of the five matches. The rough start was capped by a 3-0 drubbing to rivals Liverpool in Columbia, SC. Three names remain high on United’s list: Matthijs De Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui, and Manuel Ugarte. We update you on those moves below.

Matthijs De Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui

With the departure of Raphael Varane and the injury to Leny Yoro, Manchester United are in desperate need of help at center-back. Long-time target Matthijs De Ligt is waiting for the club to finalize his move, as the personal terms have long been agreed.

If Aaron Wan-Bissaka is finally offloaded, Noussair Mazraoui is United’s number one target to replace him. Talks remain ongoing as Wan-Bissaka’s move is in jeopardy due to contract demands.

Bayern Munich want around €70 million for the former Ajax duo. Manchester United should try to lower that to at least €60 million to allow for a center midfielder to also be brought in.

Hopefully, a deal for one or both players will be done by August 17th, when United opens the Premier League season.

Manuel Ugarte

Manchester United has received a massive boost in the pursuit of Manuel Ugarte as PSG has completed the signing of Joao Neves. With the arrival of Neves in Paris, there is seemingly no place for Ugarte.

Manchester United and Manuel Ugarte have had an agreement on personal terms for weeks now, and all that remains is the final agreement on the transfer fee.

It was evident in pre-season that United badly needs an upgrade in the midfield. Casemiro looked like a shell of his former self, and Toby Collyer looked promising but not yet ready. Manuel Ugarte would be a great partner for the young star Kobbie Mainoo.

Will Manchester United manage to bring in all three transfer targets?