Man Utd transfer state of play: Completed and expected deals ahead of Premier League opener

It’s been a summer of change for Manchester United as the Erik ten Hag era at Old Trafford begins.

The Red Devils have made significant additions in the market, even if the ongoing pursuit of Frenkie de Jong is holding up any further moves.

There have also been a number of outgoings, with more expected before the window closes in a few weeks.

But ahead of the new Premier League campaign kicking off this Sunday with a home clash against Brighton & Hove Albion, we look at how United’s squad has taken shape since last season ended.

Who has been signed?

It felt like the opening weeks of the window dragged for the Red Devils, with no new signings announced in June.

But Tyrell Malacia’s arrival was confirmed at the start of July, joining from Feyenoord for a fee just shy of £13m, although that could rise to around £15m.

Last week, the Red Devils also unveiled Lisandro Martinez and Christian Eriksen as additions to the team.

The latter moved on a free from Brentford, while Martinez followed Ten Hag from Ajax and was given the No.6 jersey.

Who has left?

The summer began with several outgoings, as Lee Grant, Nemanja Matic, Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata and Edinson Cavani all left upon the expiration of their contracts.

Lingard headed to Nottingham Forest and was joined by Dean Henderson after he signed for the Premier League new boys on loan. Young talent Alvaro Fernandez has also left on a temporary deal and has joined Championship side Preston North End.

Welsh international Dylan Levitt departed the club this summer, joining Dundee United on a permanent deal, while Andreas Pereira signed for Fulham.

Could we see more incomings?

De Jong’s pursuit has dominated the headlines all summer, and United will hope a solution can be found soon.

Barcelona’s refusal to pay him deferred wages of around £17m is what’s holding the transfer up, although there has also been a suggestion Chelsea are interested in the Dutchman.

United are also keen on RB Salzburg forward Benjamin Sesko, while they would like a new right-back before the window shuts. But these transfers are expected to be dependent on the De Jong saga being resolved.

The club now have a more defined criteria when it comes to transfer than they did previously under Ed Woodward and Matt Judge, with Ten Hag having a significant input on recruitment.

There’s also a sense United don’t want to sign players for the sake of it, while they are conscious of shifting a perception in the market that the Red Devils will overpay for players

Antony is one such example, with a deal looking unlikely as United won’t match the asking price that has been quoted by Ajax.

Who might leave still?

Cristiano Ronaldo’s future continues to make headlines. The veteran forward returned to the team on Sunday in the 1-1 draw with Rayo Vallecano and it seems likely he will remain at Old Trafford beyond the window closing.

United have always maintained they are not willing to sell the striker, although ManchesterWorld have been told by one source that privately the club would allow him to leave for the right price.

United are more concerned about moving on Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Eric Bailly, Phil Jones and Alex Telles, with reports on Tuesday suggesting the latter is nearing a move to Sevilla.

Wan-Bissaka looks more likely to be a loan deal at this stage, with Crystal Palace interested, while Bailly has drawn interest from Fulham, Roma and Sevilla.

Meanwhile, rumours elsewhere suggest Brandon Williams and Axel Tuanzebe may be allowed to leave the club this summer.

In the attacking areas, Alejandro Garnacho is set to sign a new contract soon. He’s one of five young wingers who could be sent on loan this season or occupy a fringe spot in Ten Hag’s squad, along with Amad, Tahith Chong, Shola Shoretire and Facundo Pellistri.

The same can be said of midfielders Charlie Savage, Zidane Iqbal, Hannibal and James Garner, although the latter looks to be part of United’s plans for next season. Whether that will change if De Jong arrives is unknown.

Is the squad stronger than last season?

United required a major overhaul at the end of last season and Ralf Rangnick even suggested at one point that the team needed to sign 10 new players.

That might feel excessive, but just three arrivals leave the squad lacking in a number of areas, namely midfield, and there’s been no talk of a defensive midfielder joining alongside the technically proficient De Jong.

Right-back is also an issue, with Diogo Dalot lagging behind the division’s top full-backs, while Ten Hag only has two real strikers to choose from at present, one being a 37-year-old who wishes to move elsewhere.

At the other end of the pitch, the Red Devils still have not replaced Henderson, although Tom Heaton could assume the role of back-up goalkeeper this season.

In terms of departures, this current squad still feels too bloated despite seven senior players from last season leaving, and Ten Hag will hope to cut those numbers down before the transfer deadline on 1 September.