Manchester United are working to improve their squad after finishing eighth in the Premier League in the 2023-24 campaign. New minority owners INEOS are expected to use the summer to the fullest to get the club back where they belong.
Meanwhile, the Red Devils are interested in Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Matheus Cunha. Elsewhere, the Old Trafford outfit have suffered a blow in their efforts to sign Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo this summer.
On that note, here's a look at the key Manchester United transfer stories as on June 20, 2024:
Manchester United eyeing Matheus Cunha
Manchester United are working on a move for Matheus Cunha this summer, according to Caught Offside. The Brazilian forward enjoyed an impressive 2023-24 campaign with Wolverhampton Wanderers, registering 14 goals and eight assists in 36 games across competitions.
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His efforts have turned heads at Old Trafford, with Ten Hag looking for a new striker this summer. The Dutchman allowed Anthony Martial to leave at the end of his contract this summer, so he needs a new face to partner Rasmus Hojlund in attack.
Cunha, who is proven in the Premier League, could be ideal for the job. The Red Devils have been in touch with the player's camp to discuss a potential move this year. However, the 25-year-old is also wanted by Arsenal and is likely to cost around €75 million.
Red Devils suffer Jean-Clair Todibo blow
Manchester United have suffered a setback in their quest to sign Jean-Clair Todibo this summer. According to acclaimed transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, UEFA will not allow them to sign the Nice defender, as both clubs have the same owner and will play in the UEFA Europa League next season.
Romano has said that the Premier League giants are in advanced talks to bring the French defender to Old Trafford this summer. However, their efforts are likely to end in disappointment, even though the 24-year-old is also keen to join the club.
The Red Devils will have to turn their attention to alternate targets as they look for Raphael Varane's replacement. Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite is reportedly on their radar, but the Englishman is likely to cost a fortune. Sporting defender Goncalo Inacio is also an option, but he won't come cheap either.
Fabrizio Romano updates on Bruno Fernandes future
Manchester United are delighted with Bruno Fernandes and are not considering his departure, according to Fabrizio Romano. The Portuguese midfielder was handed the armband at Old Trafford last summer and remains one of Ten Hag's most influential players.
Fernandes registered 15 goals and 13 assists in 48 games across competitions in the 2023-24 campaign. Recent reports have suggested that the player is considering his option, amid interest from Bayern Munich and Barcelona.
However, in his column for Caught Offside, Romano said that Fernandes remains committed to the Premier League giants.
“The situation with Bruno Fernandes at Manchester United remains absolutely open in terms of contract talks. Man United are very happy with Fernandes as they told his agent a few weeks ago in an initial meeting to discuss the situation,” wrote Romano.
He continued:
“Fernandes remains focused and committed to Manchester United – it’s true that his agent had some meetings with top clubs around Europe a few weeks ago to look at potential opportunities, but at the same time, Fernandes remains absolutely committed to United at the moment."
He concluded:
“A new deal is a possibility in case Bruno decides to stay at the club – this could be an option in the next months, but it’s not something guaranteed, or already being completed now.
"It’s still on standby. Still, this will be one to watch in the next weeks to understand the future of Fernandes at Manchester United, either with contract talks or if a club will arrive with a proposal.”
The 29-year-old is under contract till 2026, so the English giants are in no hurry to hand him a new deal.
