The five players Man Utd plan to sign before end of transfer window
Suraj Radia
- Updated: 2 Aug 2022 16:07 BST
- 4 min read
Erik ten Hag is believed to want up to FIVE signings before the transfer window closes at the end of the month as he looks to set up his new side ahead of the new season.
United have made just three additions this summer in Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez, having lost the likes of Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic from last season.
The positions Ten Hag wants addressing are a backup goalkeeper, a right-back, a central midfielder and two forwards, one of whom would be a younger prospect.
With United set to have a busy month ahead, FootballTransfers takes a look at what players the club might target to fill the voids in their squad.
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Sergio Romero – free agent
With Dean Henderson joining Nottingham Forest on loan and Lee Grant having retired, United have just David De Gea and Tom Heaton as their senior goalkeepers going into the new season.
Former United shot stopper Sergio Romero spent six seasons as a backup to De Gea and the Argentine has been linked with a return to Old Trafford after his contract expired at Venezia.
The 35-year-old made 61 appearances in all competitions before leaving United last summer and he would offer a cheap, experienced and familiar option in goal should the club choose to bring him back.
Denzel Dumfries – Inter Milan
The future of Aaron Wan-Bissaka at United is still very much in the air as the 24-year-old has been told he can leave the club, with Ten Hag not convinced by the right-back’s attacking credentials.
Diogo Dalot is the other right-back at the club but doubts also remain over his defensive capabilities, leaving United searching for the ideal player who can balance both.
Denzel Dumfries is believed to be Ten Hag’s desired target and Chelsea are also interested in the wing-back but Inter are not keen on selling, although a bid of €50 million may change their stance.
Frenkie de Jong – Barcelona
In the saga that seems to never end, United still have not given up hope on signing Frenkie de Jong despite the midfielder refusing to leave Barcelona despite the club insisting they need to cash in on him.
United agreed a €85m fee for De Jong almost a month ago but the 25-year-old is uncertain over a move to Old Trafford, particularly due to deferred wages he is still owed by Barca.
While Lazio’s Sergej Milinkovic-Savic has been considered, De Jong is United’s primary target and they will wait for a firm answer before deciding whether to move onto other options.
Sasa Kalajdzic – Stuttgart
Much has been made over the future of Cristiano Ronaldo, although a shortage of suitors and United’s refusal to sell could see the 37-year-old forced into staying at the club.
However, United are short of numbers up top and may still target a senior striker even if Ronaldo stays, having already lost Edinson Cavani this summer.
Sasa Kalajdzic is available for just £17m and the 6ft 7ins striker has been tracked by United, having scored 22 goals in 48 Bundesliga games for Stuttgart.
Benjamin Sesko – RB Salzburg
United have been hot on the tail of RB Salzburg striker Benjamin Sesko after the 19-year-old impressed in pre-season against Liverpool.
The Slovenian international has been dubbed ‘the new Erling Haaland’ and United want him as their young forward after being priced out by Ajax for winger Antony.
However, with a number of clubs interested, Salzburg are believed to be demanding £55m for their prized talisman, meaning United would have spend big to secure one of Europe’s hottest prospects.
Read more about: Premier League, Man Utd, Benjamin Sesko, Frenkie de Jong, Sasa Kalajdzic, Sergio Romero, Tyrell Malacia
