Exclusive:Rabiot, Ugarte, McTominay: Manchester United eyeing midfield revamp in summer window

Manchester United are hopeful of signing two midfielders in the summer transfer window, ManchesterWorld understands.

The early weeks of the summer market have seen United bring in a new striker in Joshua Zirkzee and they are also on the verge of adding another centre-back to their ranks after Leny Yoro travelled to Manchester to undergo his medical earlier this week. United would like to sign a second defender with Matthijs de Ligt and Jarrad Branthwaite among their targets.

Bringing in further cover at left-back is also viewed as important after Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia missed long chunks of last season through injury, while Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s possible departure could force United into the market for another right-back.

Midfield is also viewed as an area that needs to be reinforced, in what is becoming a busy first transfer window for the new Ineos regime. With finances tight - and significant fees spent on or agreed for Zirkzee and Yoro - United will need to generate funds if they’re to strengthen in midfield. It’s hoped that can be achieved by selling Casemiro, Hannibal and Scott McTominay this summer.

The latter is a target for West Ham United, while Fulham have pushed hardest in the last few weeks to try and sign the Scotland international. No official bid has yet been offered, ManchesterWorld understands, but talks have been ongoing between the clubs over a possible deal. It’s understood United’s asking price for the player is around the £30m-£35m mark. Galatasaray have also expressed an interest in McTominay, but a move to Turkey seems unlikely.

As for incomings, Manuel Ugarte remains a target for United, with the Uruguayan’s tenacity admired. Joao Neves is also a player who Old Trafford officials are keen on, but Benfica’s asking price means a summer move looks highly unlikely, despite the player’s strong relationship with United captain Bruno Fernandes.

Another possibility being considered is Adrien Rabiot. The midfielder, who started all five matches for France at this summer’s Euros, has been linked with a move to Old Trafford in the past and, given he is currently a free agent, is viewed as a low-cost option for United.

It’s likely that once the Yoro deal is complete United will turn their attention to midfield recruits, as Erik ten Hag’s new squad begins to take shape ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.