After securing the services of young defender Leny Yoro from Lille and Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna, one can say that the 2023-24 FA Cup winners have been cautious but proactive in the transfer market. However, United faced a setback as Yoro is expected to be out for approximately three months due to a foot injury, following surgery last week.Last season, Erik ten Hag’s team was plagued by injuries, especially in defense. According to Mail Sport, they have been actively searching the transfer market for new full-backs for both wings.Under the guidance of new sporting director Dan Ashworth, the 20-time English champions are also on the lookout for a new central midfielder, with Fulham expressing interest in Scott McTominay. There are also rumors that Casemiro might depart this summer after a disappointing 2023-24 season.Marco Silva’s team had an initial bid for McTominay turned down by United but submitted a second offer of 27 million euros earlier this week.With the Scottish international’s contract set to expire in 2025, United intensified their efforts to sign Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte but were ‘unwilling’ to meet the hefty 60 million euros price tag for the Uruguayan.##NAJAVA_MECA_8256621##This situation led Ashworth and Ten Hag to reconsider their options, with The Athletic reporting on Tuesday that the Red Devils had approached representatives of Burnley midfielder Sander Berge regarding a possible transfer.According to The Mirror, the 28-year-old Berge is one of five targets on United’s transfer shortlist, which also includes Monaco’s Youssouf Fofana, Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, Palmeiras’ Richard Rios, and Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat.There was much speculation last summer that both Liverpool and Chelsea might engage in a bidding war for Fofana, as many clubs sought to secure a new midfielder.The 25-year-old French international has been a key player in Monaco’s midfield since joining the club in 2020. With his contract set to expire in 2025, reports suggest that Fofana, who scored four goals and provided four assists in all competitions last season, could be a major target for United.##EDITORS_CHOICE##Meanwhile, Barcelona have long admired Zubimendi, 25, seeing him as a potential replacement for Sergio Busquets. Arsenal has also shown interest in the Spaniard, a product of Real Sociedad’s youth academy.In January 2023, Mikel Arteta’s side had agreed to pay his 60 million euros release clause, but Zubimendi chose not to leave his home club mid-season. His contract with the San Sebastian club runs until 2027Rios, 24, is another central midfield option for Ten Hag. The Colombian caught United’s attention with his performances during the Copa America.Rios played a crucial role in helping his team reach the tournament final, notably scoring in their quarter-final match against Panama in July.With his 182 centimeters, Rios is a physical presence in midfield with a strong ability to disrupt the opposition’s play.Richard Ríos 🇨🇴Sander Berge 🇳🇴Youssouf Fofana 🇫🇷Manchester United are on the hunt for a new midfielder 🔴 pic.twitter.com/fIBIRZHUsf— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 7, 2024 Back to defence. With concerns about Luke Shaw’s fitness and Tyrell Malacia being sidelined for most of last season, United are set to ramp up their search for new defensive recruits.However, Ten Hag has been tight-lipped about potential new signings.’Do I already know what I’m going to do next year? No,’ Ten Hag told Dutch outlet Ziggo Sport after his side’s FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.’We are going to talk. Staying is certainly an option. Look, I think it has been a very difficult season.’For Manchester United, it needs to be much better, and also for me personally. I have always remained calm and trained very hard. Ultimately, that patience has been rewarded. We are going to talk.’
