Man United must sell if Rasmus Hojlund completes his £72 million deal from Atalanta before making any further big-name signings.
More acquisitions are planned, with Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat leading the club’s midfield shortlist.
In other news, the Daily Mail reported that a replacement for Harry Maguire had been identified.
The Mail identified Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite and Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo as potential targets. According to rumors in Spain, the latter has agreed to join Manchester United.
Whether or when United pursues a new center-back will be primarily determined by Maguire’s ability to sell.
According to the Manchester Evening News, United’s initial £50 million estimate has been significantly cut to roughly £30 million.
However, that is still £10 million more than they have been offered thus far, with West Ham the only party to present a realistic deal worth £20 million.
TEAMtalk has exclusively discovered that Everton are also interested in the England international.
However, after dropping to fourth-choice and recently losing his leadership, Maguire remains at Old Trafford.
The fact that no club has pounced on the 30-year-old may not surprise some, but it has certainly surprised England legend Stuart Pearce.
There are no flaws in Maguire’s game – Pearce
According to the Manchester Evening News, Pearce believes that most of Maguire’s criticism is exaggerated. He also stated that Maguire’s game as a center-half has no flaws.
Furthermore, if Maguire is maintained beyond the summer window, Pearce believes he will make things difficult for Ten Hag at Old Trafford. Pearce explained why Ten Hag might be compelled to do a humiliating U-turn over team selection.
“I don’t see some of the noise that I hear,” Pearce explained. “He’s been sensational for England, and he’s always been Gareth (Southgate’s) first choice.”
“He went to the World Cup and had a fantastic tournament, one of the better players there, especially given the pressure he was under.”
“If I were a Premier League manager, I would do everything in my power to bring Harry Maguire to my club.”
“I can’t see any negatives for what he represents as a player, his age, experience, he’s comfortable on the ball, and capable of goals in the opposite box.” If I were a manager at another club, I would do everything I could to get him out of United.
“It says a lot when Ten Hag doesn’t say, ‘I want Harry Maguire to move on.'” That tells you his training attitude is dead on.
“He sees his value – he doesn’t see him as a first-team starter, but whenever a game needs to be seen out, he puts Maguire in the heart of defense to ensure they keep the ball out of the net.”
“When he comes off the bench in the 85th minute, he immediately enters the game.” He fulfills the work the management assigns him to do, which reveals a lot about his character.
“Knowing Harry, if he stays at United, he’ll do everything he can with his performances to make life difficult for Ten Hag in order to get back into the team.”