Manchester United have made multiple changes behind the scenes since the arrival of new minority owners INEOS earlier this year. Erik ten Hag is now working to add more quality to his squad before the end of the transfer window.
Meanwhile, the Red Devils are confident of signing two Bayern Munich defenders this summer. Elsewhere, Harry Amass is set to be integrated into the senior team at Old Trafford.
On that note, let's look at the major Manchester United transfer stories from August 5, 2024.
Manchester United confident about signing Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui, says Fabrizio Romano
Manchester United are optimistic about their chances of signing both Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui, according to acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano. The Red Devils are looking to make multiple changes to their squad after an underwhelming 2023/24 campaign.
Erik ten Hag has already signed Leny Yoro to strengthen his backline, but is also keen for a reunion with De Ligt this summer. Meanwhile, Mazraoui is on the Dutch manager's radar this summer as well, with an upgrade on Aaron Wan-Bissaka on the agenda.
The two players found great success under the Dutch manager during their time together at Ajax. They are, however, surplus to requirements at Bayern Munich and will be allowed to leave this year.
Speaking on his Here We Go podcast, Romano added that the Premier League giants will have to offload players to secure the duo.
"Manchester United are really confident on this story. For Matthijs de Ligt, they need time. It was already clear - this is why De Ligt agreed on personal terms with United in June. Already it was the third week of June, but then it's taking time because Manchester United need some outgoing in order to proceed on the market," said Romano.
He continued:
"But the conversation continues with Bayern with the players' side, because the same agent - Rafaela Pimenta - represents Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui, with both players expected to join Manchester United this summer."
Romano also stated that the Bavarians want €70m to let the duo leave.
"Manchester United are still confident, and are sending very good messages to the players - both Mazraoui and De Ligt - with confidence to get the deal done," said Romano.
He concluded:
"With Bayern, there is still no agreement because Bayern want €50million guaranteed for De Ligt and something around €20m for Mazraoui. So a package of €70m, but Manchester United want to pay less than this. So the conversation is ongoing, but with confidence that De Ligt is only waiting for Manchester United."
Wan-Bissaka is already in talks to join West Ham United this summer.
Harry Amass set to stay at Old Trafford
Harry Amass is set to stay at Manchester United after impressing in pre-season, according to The Athletic. The 17-year-old left-back started all three games for Erik ten Hag in their US tour. While he struggled to contain Mohamed Salah in the defeat to Liverpool, Amass was quite impressive against Real Betis and Arsenal.
The Dutch manager suffered due to injuries to Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia last season. While the Englishman has regained fitness, Malacia is expected to be sidelined for two more months. The situation has prompted the Red Devils to consider their options in the market.
However, Amass could help address the issue, especially as a backup to Shaw. The Premier League giants have now decided that the teenager will continue his development at Old Trafford in the upcoming season.
Journalist backs Sofyan Amrabat to rejoin Red Devils
Sofyan Amrabat could return to Manchester United this summer, according to journalist Dharmesh Sheth. The Moroccan midfielder arrived at Old Trafford last summer on loan from Fiorentina and endured a mixed campaign.
Despite a strong end to the season, including an outstanding performance against Manchester City in the FA Cup final, the Red Devils opted against a permanent move. However, with Ten Hag still in the market for midfield reinforcements, Amrabat's name continues to do the rounds.
It is believed that the 27-year-old wants to rejoin the Premier League giants, who are also considering a move. Recent reports have also suggested that he is wanted by Fenerbahce as well.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Sheth insisted that a move for Amrabat could depend on Manchester United's outgoings this summer.
"He [Amrabat] played such a key role in the final few weeks of the season and started the FA Cup Final, and he gives them that option when Erik ten Hag wants to switch the formation. He didn't play an out-and-out striker, and he ended up playing this kind of like 4-2-4, or 4-2-2-2 formation with Amrabat playing a key role in that," said Sheth.
He continued:
"And a lot of United fans were thinking, well, this is the reason that United brought Amrabat in. So you can't rule that one out, either. And there are a couple of other names that have been bandied around that United are looking at, but I think whatever happens with their current midfielders will probably dictate what they can do in the market."
Amrabat has entered the final year of his contract with the Serie A side and is not expected to sign a new deal.