“Now we are able to bring him in, we would have to let him go even though he is about to recover from his injury. We don’t need the extra baggage” – This is according to Dan Ashworth as Manchester United Make Major Reversal on key Centre-Back as new Signing is about to join the team.
Manchester United fans haven’t had much to cheer about recently, but the season ended on a positive note with a victory over Manchester City in the FA Cup final.
The upcoming pre-season is poised to start with a bang, thanks to the impressive acquisition of teenage defender Leny Yoro from Lille.
Throughout much of the 2023/24 season, the Red Devils’ performances were uninspired and relied heavily on individual brilliance to secure vital points. Off the pitch, the club was embroiled in chaos, with top players often making headlines for the wrong reasons.
However, the atmosphere at the club now feels revitalized and full of promise. The unexpected win over Manchester City likely saved Erik ten Hag’s job, giving the Dutchman a renewed opportunity to push forward with a strengthened team.
Red Devils Never Gave Up in the Pursuit of Yoro
Initially, Real Madrid seemed to be the teenager’s top choice.
Ten Hag has bolstered his backroom staff, and the impending arrival of Leny Yoro is a testament to the club’s ambition. Although Yoro was widely expected to join Real Madrid, Manchester United remained determined and refused to accept defeat in the race to sign him.
Ultimately, the Spanish giants were unwilling to meet Lille’s £52 million up-front asking price for the 18-year-old centre-back. Once Yoro expressed his interest in joining United, the Red Devils swiftly closed the deal.
Lille established good relations with Manchester United during the negotiations, which is promising as the transfer window progresses.
Yoro’s playing style is exactly what Ten Hag needed after Raphael Varane’s departure at the end of last season. Yoro follows in the footsteps of 23-year-old Dutch forward Joshua Zirkzee to Old Trafford, and Manchester United’s transfer window ambitions are far from over.
The club might still sign another centre-back, along with a central midfielder and full-back. If player sales go smoothly, another attacker could also join the squad.
De Ligt Deal on Hold as Yoro Transfer Nears Completion
Maguire or Lindelof may need to exit to make room for the Dutchman.
Signing a defender has been a priority, and a deal for Bayern Munich’s Dutch international Matthijs de Ligt had been progressing well before being paused to focus on the Yoro transfer.
Following a late development, it appears that Harry Maguire or Victor Lindelof may need to leave the club for the de Ligt deal to proceed. This complicates matters, but sources suggest that Ten Hag is convinced another centre-back is essential.
The potential signing of Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite remains uncertain after two unsuccessful attempts this summer, though the player is still eager to move.
Adding another centre-back after Yoro would signal fresh ambition and give Manchester United fans hope that their time in the Premier League’s shadows is coming to an end.
Recent links to Bayer Leverkusen’s Jonathan Tah are also noteworthy. While Tah, at 28, doesn’t fit the younger profile of other targets, his experience could be valuable, especially when compared to someone like Branthwaite. This is an intriguing situation to monitor.
Ten Hag is keen to explore the possibility of securing a loan deal for Ugarte, while the futures of Casemiro and McTominay remain uncertain amidst ongoing negotiations.
Looking ahead, there are positive signs that discussions for further reinforcements will continue in other positions. In midfield, Manchester United have set their sights on Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain and are working to determine the feasibility of securing him on an initial loan deal, although PSG’s stance remains unclear.
If PSG prioritizes player sales, reports suggest that Casemiro could be a potential departure to facilitate moves. Meanwhile, Scott McTominay’s future is also uncertain, with Fulham showing interest but negotiations stalling over Manchester United’s £30 million asking price.
Reports first emerged about Fulham’s interest in McTominay on July 1, coinciding with their initial inquiries into his availability and contract terms.
McTominay is eager to prove his worth at Old Trafford but will engage in discussions during pre-season about his future role.
The potential departure of Wan-Bissaka could also affect plans for full-backs, with West Ham facing difficulties meeting his wage demands.
Although the full-back situation hasn’t garnered much attention, it remains crucial for Manchester United. The club aims to secure cover for Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia on the left flank, while also considering versatility to cover the right side due to Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s possible exit.
West Ham United would need to meet a £20 million valuation to advance negotiations for Wan-Bissaka, but concerns persist over whether they can match his salary expectations. Other clubs are closely monitoring the situation.
Manchester United are willing to facilitate Wan-Bissaka’s departure, viewing it as a necessary step to clear out players who no longer fit into their plans, which is just as important as their proactive approach in the current transfer window.
Mason Greenwood is set to leave, while Jadon Sancho remains available at the right price. Christian Eriksen is another potential departure. Manchester United are flexible and committed to providing Erik ten Hag with all the necessary resources for a successful 2024/25 season.
Last season, the manager faced numerous distractions and struggled with a thin squad due to injuries. The goal now is to eliminate excuses, with plans to rebuild and refocus the squad by mid-August.
The acquisition of Yoro highlights the potential for significant achievements under the new Manchester United regime. INEOS representatives have expressed confidence, and now actions must follow words.
Sources suggest that three more signings are expected before the new season begins, setting the stage for ten Hag to deliver results.