Manchester United have already spent around £95m on two signings, although have suffered a major injury blow to one of the new arrivals.
Leny Yoro will not be available to make his competitive debut until October after suffering a fracture to his metatarsal in last week’s friendly with Arsenal. Rasmus Hojlund’s hamstring issue means he will meanwhile miss the first three league games too.
Joshua Zirkzee, Erik ten Hag’s first signing of the summer, is yet to link up with the squad in the US having undergone individual training back at Carrington upon his return from a break post-Euro 2024.
United were always keen on more centre-backs anyway and have already agreed personal terms with Matthijs de Ligt, though a fee with employers Bayern Munich has not, just yet.
Interest in Jarrad Branthwaite lingers despite having two bids rejected while the club are in talks for Manuel Ugarte. Full-backs could also be sought after amid exit links for Aaron Wan-Bissaka and fitness concerns at left-back.
Isaac Johnson
A dream scenario probably includes Branthwaite. But with United refusing to meet his £70m price tag and Everton staying firm, the more realistic and cheaper, option sees De Ligt arrive for around £40m.
The extra funds can be put towards other signings that will make the final month dream-like. United seem set on Manuel Ugarte while a costless arrival of out-of-contract Adrien Rabiot might be worth acquiring to would bolster midfield options.
United need to drum up funds, though, and a healthy fee from a Saudi entity for Casemiro would go a long way. Meanwhile, securing a bigger fee for Wan-Bissaka than is paid out for the targeted Noussair Mazraoui would be shrewd business.
MEN Sport understands that United are looking to sell Victor Lindelof, so any fee received for him could help balance the books in light of Premier League spending rules.
A loanee left-back would provide cover until Tyrell Malacia, back up to Luke Shaw, is up to full fitness while a £35m-plus offer for Jadon Sancho should be taken up, but for no less.
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