Man Utd could return to long-term transfer target after Yoro signing

Suraj Radia

• Updated: 18 Jul 2024 16:06 BST
• 4 min read

Manchester United will focus on their midfield once Leny Yoro finalises his transfer to Old Trafford, with a long-term transfer target potentially returning to the top of Erik ten Hag’s shopping list.

United are on the verge of completing an ambitious €70 million move for Yoro, with the 18-year-old having had a medical already and his five-year contract already signed, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Yoro’s arrival would represent a significant addition to United’s defence, having already secured their top priority in a providing depth at striker to Rasmus Hojlund with the €42.5m signing of Joshua Zirkzee earlier this month.

READ MORE: Man Utd sign ‘new Ronaldinho’

United are still hoping to sign another centre-back such as Matthijs de Ligt or Jarrad Branthwaite, while Aaron Wan-Bissaka is in talks to leave the club, meaning a right-back could also be targeted.

Cover at left back is also being considered due to the questionable fitness records of Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia but any further defensive reinforcements will likely be halted as United first look to strengthen in midfield.

However, the extent of United’s business in midfield will depend on whether players such as Casemiro, Hannibal Mejbri or Scott McTominay can be sold, with Yoro’s signing exhausting a lot of the club’s limited resources this summer.

How Man Utd's midfielder plans could develop this summer

Casemiro is the player United are most keen to sell this summer, with the 32-year-old being on of the club’s highest earners and suffering a sharp decline in his form last season.

However, interest from the Saudi Pro League appears to have cold, meaning McTominay could be the most likely departure, with the likes of Fulham, West Ham and Galatasray interested in signing the €35m-rated midfielder.

READ MORE: Premier League summer transfers 2024: All the Done Deals

Receiving a fee in that region could allow United to pursue their ideal option in Manuel Ugarte, whom Paris Saint-Germain have placed a similar price tag on, with the player keen to join.

A move for Ugarte could progress as PSG close in on the signing of Benfica’s Joao Neves for €70m, a player whom United were quoted the player’s €120m release clause at the start of the summer, having been the club’s top target.

Should outgoings prove difficult for United, one of the club’s long-term targets has seemingly emerged back into contention, with Adrien Rabiot having formally left Juventus this week after the expiry of his contract last month.

Compared

Manuel Ugarte

M, DM (C)

PSG

Manuel Ugarte

M, DM (C)

PSG

VS

Adrien Rabiot

M (C)

Juventus

Adrien Rabiot

M (C)

Juventus

2023/2024

Season Statistics

2023/2024

37	Appearances	35
2	Assists	3
49	Interceptions	33
2451	Minutes Played	3012
14	Key Passes	27
1698	Passes	1299
113	Tackles	62
14	Shots Total	41

Rabiot was a target for United during Ten Hag’s first two summers at the club and his availability on a free transfer could finally be the catalyst for a transfer as a low-cost alternative to Ugarte if no exit is forthcoming for Casemiro or any other unwanted star.