Manchester United’s summer transfer plans are starting to take shape, with the appointment of Dan Ashworth as sporting director. After four months on gardening leave, Ashworth has finally made the move to Old Trafford, with Newcastle United accepting significantly less than their original asking price of £20 million for his services. This is a major coup for United, as Ashworth brings a wealth of experience and expertise in talent identification and player recruitment.
One of the top transfer targets for United this summer is Matthijs de Ligt. The Bayern Munich and Netherlands centre-back has been linked with a reunion with his former manager Erik ten Hag for some time now. According to reports, Sir Jim Ratcliffe is seriously considering making a move for de Ligt, which could complicate United’s pursuit. However, United remain determined to secure the talented defender’s signature.
While United are looking to strengthen their defense, they are also considering reinforcements for their attack. They have shown interest in Bologna star Dan Ndoye, who has impressed for Switzerland at Euro 2024. The 23-year-old winger moved to Serie A last summer and has caught the attention of United with his performances.
In terms of outgoings, there are rumors that Marcus Rashford could be on the move. United are reportedly open to listening to offers for the forward, with Paris Saint-Germain said to be ready to rekindle their interest in him. Rashford’s future at United has come into question after he was left out of the Euro 2024 squad.
In other news, United have ended their pursuit of Barcelona star Ronald Araujo. The focus has shifted to other defensive targets, including Jarrad Branthwaite from Everton. However, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is also interested in Branthwaite, which could complicate United’s plans.
In terms of pre-season preparations, United have a busy schedule ahead of them. They will be facing teams like Rosenborg, Rangers, Arsenal, Real Betis, and Liverpool in their warm-up matches. These matches will be crucial for United to gel as a team and prepare for the upcoming season.
In addition to transfer news, there have been some interesting developments in the world of international football. Manchester United’s young star Mason Greenwood has attracted interest from Marseille, Lazio, Juventus, Napoli, Benfica, and Getafe. It seems that Greenwood has a number of options if he decides to leave Old Trafford this summer.
Finally, there has been some drama at Euro 2024. Manchester United legend Cristiano Ronaldo missed a penalty during extra time in Portugal’s match against Slovenia. The game remains goalless as Ronaldo breaks down in tears.
Overall, it is an exciting time for Manchester United as they make moves in the transfer market and prepare for the upcoming season. With the appointment of Dan Ashworth and potential new signings like Matthijs de Ligt and Dan Ndoye, United are looking to strengthen their squad and compete at the highest level.