Man Utd transfer state of play: ins and outs, Frenkie De Jong and Christian Eriksen latest & signings expected

As the market ticks closer to opening we have the latest on what’s happening at Manchester United.
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Manchester United’s busy summer transfer window will officially start on Friday, when the market finally opens.

From then on, the Red Devils will be able to complete purchases, while any departing players will be able to officially sign for another club.

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But what is the latest at Old Trafford? What’s happened since the season ended and how much business are United likely to conclude?

We have all the latest here…

It’s set to be a busy summer of work for new Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag. Credit: Getty.It’s set to be a busy summer of work for new Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag. Credit: Getty.
It’s set to be a busy summer of work for new Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag. Credit: Getty.

Who has left?

United have already confirmed the departures of six members of the 2021/22 squad. Nemanja Matic himself announced in April he would be leaving this summer, while Lee Grant has recently retired and taken up a coaching position at Ipswich Town.

Since the end of the campaign, the Red Devils have also confirmed the departures of four senior players: Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata and Edinson Cavani.

The quartet all leave on free transfers with their respective contracts expiring.

Has anyone been signed?

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To date, no transfers have been confirmed, although there have been no shortage of rumours and reports linking United with incomings.

But when United do meet up for pre-season training at the end of the month, there will be plenty of new faces from the squad that ended the last term. That’s because several significant first-teamers are expected to return to the club after loan deals elsewhere.

Axel Tuanzebe, Teden Mengi, Brandon Williams, James Garner, Donny van de Beek, Andreas Pereira, Facundo Pellistri, Amad, Tahith Chong and Anthony Martial all ended 2021/22 away from Old Trafford and could be players Ten Hag will want to look at this summer.

Where do United need to strengthen?

There is going to be no quick fix at Old Trafford for the new manager, and there’s plenty he needs to sort out.

Ralf Rangnick has also left the club since the end of the season. Credit: GettyRalf Rangnick has also left the club since the end of the season. Credit: Getty
Ralf Rangnick has also left the club since the end of the season. Credit: Getty
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The centre of the park is seen as one of the biggest areas of concern, with a holding midfielder something United really lack.

Right-back is also an issue, while the Red Devils became too reliant on Cristiano Ronaldo for goals last season and need back-up in the attacking areas.

A new centre-back has been tipped as well, and another winger wouldn’t go amiss. In truth, there are few areas of the squad that don’t need major work.

Should we expect many signings?

Given the above, yes. In addition, six players departing mean the squad is looking a little light of quality, even with the returning loanees bolstering the numbers.

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Should a few more depart, as is expected, they’ll also need to be replaced. So it really could be a busy summer at Old Trafford, even if June remains quiet with the international fixtures and United’s penchant for wrapping up signings later in the window.

Ralf Rangnick claimed his United squad needed up to 10 new additions, although Ten Hag did somewhat bat away this suggestion in his first press conference. While double figures seem unlikely, don’t be surprised to see six or seven new faces through the door.

Who else could leave?

There will likely be several more first-team stars who leave the club this window. Dean Henderson and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are among those expected to depart, with the latter reportedly being offered to other clubs by United.

Eric Bailly, Phil Jones and Alex Telles could also be sold, with Tuanzebe, Williams, Pereira and Martial possibly departing permanently this summer after loan moves last season.

Who has been linked with a move?

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There are no shortage of names being mooted as possible signings for the Red Devils, although several keep cropping up in reports.

It is believed United scouts were in attendance as Denmark beat Austria earlier this week, with Christian Eriksen the main focus of their attention. The midfielder looks set to leave Brentford after a short-term deal and has been linked with a host of clubs, including the Red Devils.

Christian Eriksen has been linked with a switch to Old Trafford. Credit: Getty.Christian Eriksen has been linked with a switch to Old Trafford. Credit: Getty.
Christian Eriksen has been linked with a switch to Old Trafford. Credit: Getty.

Frenkie De Jong is another who United are reportedly keen on, despite the Netherlands international admitting he wants to remain at Barcelona. Goal claim United haven’t given up hope on completing a transfer and are ready for a ‘drawn-out pursuit’.

The Red Devils also continue to be linked with Darwin Nunez, the prolific young forward at Benfica. As well as United, he’s been linked with Liverpool, although the latest reports from the Telegraph claim Nunez prefers a move to Spain.

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Jurrien Timber is the final name to be strongly linked with a switch to Old Trafford, where the Ajax defender could meet up with his former boss Ten Hag.

Other players linked include: Matthijs de Ligt, Pau Torres, Denzel Dumfries, Tyrell Malacia, Declan Rice, Ruben Neves, Corentin Tolisso, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Antony, to name but a few.