Why Man Utd's transfer business might not be finished

Suraj Radia

30 Aug 2022 20:53 BST
3 min read

Erik ten Hag, Manchester United, 2022/23 — © ProShots

Manchester United's transfer business was thought to be all but finished this summer but they could return to the market with one final play after two of their previous targets became available.

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United have spent more than £200 million this summer after signing Antony for £85.4m and Casemiro for £70m in recent weeks and they had signalled that their business was close to concluding.

Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dubvravka is set to join on loan to provide competition for David de Gea but United boss Erik ten Hag could look to sign a right-back before the transfer window closes.

United had explored right-back options after Ten Hag deemed Aaron Wan-Bissaka surplus to requirements but no moves materialised.

However, reports have suggested that Barcelona's Sergino Dest and Dortmund's Thomas Meunier could be available on loan, which could pave the way for Wan-Bissaka to leave, with West Ham and Crystal Palace all linked with £10m moves.

Dest had previously turned down a move to United earlier in the summer but Barcelona are also in the market for a new right-back, which would push the American down the pecking order, and he is now considering a loan move.

Meunier, meanwhile, has also been linked to Barcelona but Dortmund had previously told United that the right-back was not for sale, however reports are now suggesting he, too, could be available on loan.

With United's budget all but depleted following the Antony signing, a loan move would be the likely way for the club to sign a right-back and the situation could develop closer to deadline day.

United's rollercoaster summer

United had gone through the majority of the summer with just three new faces from last season in Lisandro Martinez, Christian Eriksen and Tyrell Malacia.

However, the club's dismal start to the season, which saw them lose their opening two Premier League games leaving them bottom of the league, convinced the board to splash out on Antony and Casemiro.

Ten Hag had also wanted another striker, particularly with the future of Cristiano Ronaldo still uncertain, but a move for another forward looks unlikely after the acquistion of Antony.

Signing Antony would take Manchester United's summer spending over £2️⃣0️⃣0️⃣m 🤑🔴 pic.twitter.com/JFK9u1LMFm
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 29, 2022

Ronaldo looks likely to stay at Old Trafford after a lack of forthcoming offers and keeping hold of last season's top scorer has allowed United to ease off pursuing another striker.

While there still could be movement going into deadline day, it looks likely that Dubravka could be United's last signing unless the new right-back links materialise into concrete moves.