Manchester United Transfer News Roundup: Red Devils could end pursuit of PSG ace, club eyeing Ferdi Kadioglu, and more - August 18, 2024

Manchester United enjoyed an impressive start to the 2024/24 campaign, picking up a 1-0 win over Fulham at Old Trafford on Friday, August 16. New signing Joshua Zirkzee came off the bench in the second half to score the all-important goal.

Meanwhile, the Red Devils could end their pursuit of a Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) midfielder this summer. Elsewhere, the English giants have set their sights on Ferdi Kaldioglu.

On that note, let's look at the major Manchester United transfer stories from August 18, 2024.

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Manchester United could end pursuit of Manuel Ugarte, says journalist

Manuel Ugarte

Manchester United could abandon their pursuit of Manuel Ugarte this summer, according to journalist Julian Laurens. The Red Devils are eyeing a new defensive midfielder amid the uncertainties surrounding Casemiro's future.

The Brazilian was a shadow of his former self last season and could be on the move this year. Erik ten Hag wants to bring in a new face to take his place and has identified Ugarte as an option. The Uruguayan is apparently willing to move to Old Trafford as well.

Manchester United remain locked in talks with PSG to facilitate a deal, but are yet to reach a breakthrough. With the transfer window set to close in less than a fortnight, the Premier League giants are running out of time to get a deal done.

Speaking on ESPN FC, however, Laurens insisted that the Red Devils may no longer be in a hurry to get their hands on Ugarte.

“United have had two offers rejected already, but they were quite a while ago. In the last three weeks, it’s been a bit more quieter, maybe because if you look at the game [on Friday], we had a good Casemiro, much better than anything that we saw last season, for example," Laurens said.

He continued:

“It’s not the Casemiro that we saw at Madrid two or three years ago, but it’s much better than what we saw… Would you go and spend 65 million or 60 million on Ugarte when Casemiro is in this form? You need more bodies, that’s for sure, especially in that defensive midfield role."

He concluded:

“But spend all that money for somebody who might not be a starter in your team, that’s where I think that’s where Ugarte to United possibility is right now. I think they are pondering it because if [Kobbie] Mainoo and Casemiro can offer you a really good season, then the backup doesn’t have to be worth 65 million.”

Ugarte is under contract at the Parc des Princes until 2028.

Red Devils eyeing Ferdi Kadioglu

Ferdi Kadioglu

Manchester United are considering a move for Ferdi Kadioglu this summer, according to Fotospor. The Red Devils signed Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich this month, and now remain on the hunt for a new left-back.

While the Moroccan and Diogo Dalot can cover for the position, Luka Shaw's prolonged injury woes have forced Erik ten Hag into action. The Dutchman has identified Kadioglu as a target for the job.

It was previously believed that Fenerbahce wouldn't consider the 24-year-old's departure this summer. However, that is no longer the case, with the Turkish club now working to secure the services of Sergio Reguilon. The Spaniard's arrival could mark the end of Kadioglu's time at Istanbul.

Brighton & Hove Albion are reportedly in talks to sign the Turkish international in a €35m deal and Manchester United have now entered the fray. The Red Devils have the finances to out-muscle the Seagulls in the race.

INEOS willing to keep faith in Marcus Rashford

Marcus Rashford

INEOS are willing to grant Marcus Rashford a final chance to impress this season, according to GIVEMESPORT. The new Manchester United minority owners have made multiple changes behind the scenes at Old Trafford.

They are also working to revamp the squad and are already setting high standards. Rashford signed a blockbuster deal with the Red Devils last summer, but endured an underwhelming 2023/24 campaign.

The emergence of Alejandro Garnacho has already put the Englishman in a spot of bother. The 26-year-old has been linked with a move away from the Premier League giants this summer.

However, INEOS are willing to grant him this season to get back to form and stake a claim in the first team. Manchester United would hate to see one of their own leave, especially after showing so much promise in recent years. However, INEOS have already shown that they are willing to be ruthless if required. Rashford must pick up the pace this year or he could be offloaded in 2025.