Manchester United have three weeks left of the transfer window to prepare their squad for Erik ten Hag.
United have done the bulk of their business this summer, with Andre Onana, Mason Mount, and Rasmus Hojlund all arriving at Old Trafford. Ten Hag will be delighted to have signed three major upgrades to their first XI.
Onana and Mount are likely to make their Premier League debuts for United against Wolves on Monday. Fans will have to wait longer for Hojlund’s first glimpse. The forward will miss the start of the season with a major injury.
If United funds further additions, outgoings will be needed. They currently have at least 10 players, and a resolution must be found in 24 days.
Dean Henderson remains at United following his rehabilitation from a long-term thigh injury. The 26-year-old is expected to join Nottingham Forest permanently or on loan.
Harry Maguire’s future is also uncertain as Manchester United knocked back a £30 million bid from West Ham United this week. It is likely that he is behind Luke Shaw as well in the pecking order since he is the fourth-choice center-back.
Having been stripped of his armband and with the European Championships coming up, Maguire may need to leave for regular minutes. While United rejected a bid for him, he could move on if the offer increases.
In turn, that could affect Jonny Evans. United offered the 35-year-old a short-term deal over the preseason to help him exercise.
If Maguire leaves, there are merits to extending Evans’ deal into the new season. He brings vital experience and has played regular Premier League football in the last few years.
United needs to trim four into two. Brandon Williams has featured in pre-season but has done little to show he’s a long-term player for United over the last two seasons. If United could find a permanent home for him, a sale would be mutually beneficial.
Alvaro Fernandez is an interesting case. There is certainly a loan market available for him, with Premier League new boys Burnley interested in a season-long loan.
Fernandez has done well in pre-season, but Luke Shaw is the undisputed first-choice. Equally, Tyrell Malacia is expected to be number two, having signed last summer.
In midfield, United want to sell Fred to raise funds. The Brazilian has turned 30 and has one year left on his contract. Fulham have looked for the most likely buyer, but that deal has yet to materialize.
United are less keen to sell Scott McTominay, having rejected a bid from West Ham on Monday. Kobbie Mainoo’s injury has increased the need for the Scot to stay, though that resolve could be tested with a better offer.
Donny van de Beek looks destined for pastures new after a disappointing three seasons. He is back from injury and needs regular minutes to find rhythm and form. La Liga side Real Sociedad have shown an interest in the Dutchman in a deal that suits all parties.
Hannibal Mejbri looked like he could be heading to Borussia Dortmund. However, interest has cooled, with United unlikely to sanction a permanent exit before the window ends.
In attack, Facundo Pellistri may now stay at Old Trafford following Amad’s knee injury. The wideman was open to a loan exit after talks with Ten Hag about his minutes.
Some decent pre-season showings and Amad’s setback could open the door for those opportunities to come at Old Trafford. United will need to make a decision on his future at the end of the window. Manchester Evening Reports
