Man Utd Transfer News: Hojlund was ten Hag FIFTH CHOICE, Amrabat BOOST, Romano's van de Beek REVEAL

Graham Shaw

1 Aug 2023 23:05 BST
13 min read

Rasmus Höjlund, Manchester United — © ProShots/FootballTransfers

Rasmus Hojlund was only Erik ten Hag’s fifth-choice striker when it came to Man Utd transfer targets this summer.

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We have learned that the Dutchman wanted Victor Osimhen, Harry Kane, Dusan Vlahovic and Ivan Toney (before he was banned), respectively, but ended up going for Hojlund.

We have also learned that the Dutchman is under a lot of pressure for this transfer to work for the club, with the club spending £72million on the youngster who is set to undergo a medical ahead of a move from Atalanta.

Van de Beek talks UNDER WAY as midfield star set for EXIT - Romano

Manchester United and Real Sociedad have begun formal talks over the potential transfer of Donny van de Beek, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Dutch midfielder has endured a torrid time at Old Trafford following his €39 million move in 2020, which looked to be great value for money on paper. His Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) sat north of €50m back then, but just like his form, his stocks have fallen off a cliff and have now hit a new nadir of €13.3m.

Injuries and a lack of continuity in the coaching department at United have stolen valuable years from his career, but not even Erik ten Hag - with whom the 26-year-old enjoyed so much success at Ajax - was able to help Van de Beek get back to his best as the Dutchman was sidelined with injury for much of Ten Hag's first season in charge.

It has become clear to Van de Beek that he needs a change of scenery this summer and he recently emerged as a surprise target for Real Sociedad, who just lost the legendary David Silva due to his decision to retire after sustaining an ACL injury.

Man Utd get MAJOR Amrabat boost as star set to EXIT

Man Utd's pursuit of Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat has been handed a major boost following reports that Fred has agreed to join Turkish Super Lig side Galatasaray.

As exclusively revealed by FootballTransfers in early July, Man Utd’s chances of signing Amrabat relied upon selling assets first - and more specifically, selling Fred.

The Brazil international has been expected to leave Old Trafford for several weeks, but an agreement has not yet been officially reached.

MORE: Premier League 2023/24 summer transfers: All the Done Deals

Marco Silva’s Fulham were heavily interested, as was the Saudi Pro League, but Fred now looks set to join Galatasaray after saying ‘yes’ to the move, according to Turkish outlet Milliyet.com.

Man Utd have been negotiating with Galatasaray for several days, but have been given the hurry-up due to Al Ahli’s desire to hijack their proposed move for Amrabat.

According to Rudy Galetti, the Saudi Arabian side have approached Amrabat and talks are in progress at present. However, Man Utd remains his priority and a deal will advance once Galatasaray and the Red Devils finalise a deal for Fred.

Onana snubbed Chelsea AND Spurs before Man Utd transfer

Andre Onana snubbed both Chelsea and Tottenham prior to joining Manchester United, the goalkeeper’s agent has claimed.

The 27-year-old completed a €52.5m (£47m) move to Man Utd from Inter Milan last month, but it seems that the 13-time Premier League champions weren’t the only English club keen to secure his services.

Onana’s agent, Albert Botines, has been speaking about the period leading up to his client’s switch to Old Trafford.

Botines told CalcioMercato: “It all started a few months ago. Towards April, many [clubs] inquired about the player [Onana].

“Tottenham asked for information; Chelsea had a very strong interest. There were meeting in London and Chelsea also met with Inter, but [Erik] Ten Hag was key.

“We are looking forward to facing great managers like [Pep] Guardiola and trying to win titles with Manchester United. We have a great desire to excel.”

Onana previously played under current United Ten Hag at Ajax – who he left as a free agent last summer, subsequently joining Inter.

Romano confirms Greenwood DATE as Man Utd ponder decision

Man Utd are expected to announce their decision around Mason Greenwood on August 14, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Italian journalist tweeted that the club will be making their decision public - over whether to loan, keep, or let go of the striker - next month.

It’s thought that Erik ten Hag will not be responsible for the decision and that it will be up to the club. The announcement will come before Man Utd's opening Premier League game of the season against Wolves.

There have been a number of serious charges against Greenwood, including attempted rape and assault, which were dropped on 2 February.

The Crown Prosecution Service stated that key witnesses had withdrawn and that it meant there was ‘no longer a realistic prospect of conviction’.

Man Utd then launched their own investigation and he has not been available for selection for the club’s pre-season tour of the States.

Greenwood has not been used at the club's Carrington training ground, either.

Man United are expected to announce decision regarding Mason Greenwood’s future opening PL game of the season on August 14. ⚠️

It’s only up to the club. Erik ten Hag will not be responsible of any decision, he will discuss Greenwood future right after the club. pic.twitter.com/gUTPXLU6rg
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 31, 2023

Shaw in Glazers PLEA as Man Utd star 'desperate' for new signings

Man Utd star Luke Shaw has issue a plea to the Glazers to sign new players - in particular a striker - with the squad 'desperate' for new goalscoring potential.

Shaw made the plea during the club's summer tour, as United (hopefully) prepare to complete a massive deal for Atalanta forward Rasmus Hojlund.

He explained: "We've already signed some very good players and hopefully there's more additions to come to strengthen the squad," Shaw told Sky Sports.

"I don't really want to comment too much on that [Hojlund deal]. I think obviously he's not our player yet, so I won't say too much. Of course, we've got [Anthony] Martial, [Marcus] Rashford at the moment and [Jadon] Sancho, who can play there.

"But an out-and-out striker is what we need and we're desperate for one. I'm very sure that the club know that, the manager knows that and us players would love one to come, too."

Romano reveals KEY Hojlund date for Man Utd

Rasmus Hojlund could officially be a Man Utd player on Monday or Tuesday, according to a number of sources.

Fabrizio Romano reported on Sunday that Man Utd have begun preparing documents and paperwork in order get the Hojlund transfer sealed and signed at the start of the week.

Romano adds that Hojlund has spoken to Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag more than three times and will sign a contract until June 2028 with the option of another year.

PROFILE: Who is Rasmus Hojlund?

United have agreed a massive transfer worth €75 million plus €10m in add-ons for the Atalanta striker.

Hojlund had already long since agreed personal terms with Man Utd, who made the signing of a top-class striker their main priority for the summer transfer window.

Atalanta signed a replacement for Hojlund this weekend, bringing in Mali striker El Bilal Toure from Almeria for €28m.

© ProShots - Fabrizio Romano revealed key Man Utd Hojlund date.

Man Utd get MASSIVE boost with new £900m deal

Man Utd have extended their partnership with Adidas until 2035, with the deal said to be worth a minimum of £900 million, according to reports.

The Red Devils’ existing deal with Adidas was set to expire in 2025 following a 10-year agreement signed in the 2015/16 season.

However, they have now penned a new agreement to ensure the deal with Adidas runs for another 12 years. Adidas currently design Man Utd’s kits and have recently launched their home and away strips for the 2023/24 campaign.

The deal is worth at least £900m, according to the Manchester Evening News’ Samuel Luckhurst.

Teen WONDERKID could mean no new midfielder needed at Man UTD

Man Utd are in the market for another midfielder ahead of the new season - likely that man Amrabat - but MUTV commentator Ben Thornley believes that they may not need one.

Erik ten Hag is after a defensive midfielder to come in and play in a double-pivot with Casemiro. But the emergence of one youngster means that he may not have to splash the cash.

Thornley spoke exclusively to FootballTransfers about Stockport-born player Kobbie Mainoo, saying that his stunning form this pre-season comes as no surprise and he’s been ‘brilliant for years.

Thornley told FootballTransfers: “I would have said another with both Fred and McTominay possibly leaving but the emergence of Kobbie Mainoo has been brilliant, despite the recent knock. And to be honest, it’s no surprise to me having watched him for two years at youth level.

“I’d like to see another wide player that is equally comfortable with both feet and has plenty of pace. If Man Utd can get a No.9 then with Onana and Mount to boot, we are in a decent position.”

The trouble is Mainoo was diagnosed with an ankle injury during Man Utd’s pre-season tour and will consequently miss the beginning of the new season.

The 18-year-old holding midfielder started against Arsenal and Real Madrid on the summer tour as Ten Hag weighed up on whether to keep hold of him or send him out on loan for the upcoming campaign.

Marcus Rashford makes STUNNING Man Utd exit admission

Marcus Rashford has admitted that he considered leaving Man Utd before Erik ten Hag became coach.

The 25-year-old England forward was reborn under Dutch coach ten Hag, contributing 17 goals and 5 assists in 35 Premier League games as United clinched a return to Champions League football.

But, speaking on the club's tour of the United States, he admitted there had been times pre-ten Hag when an exit might have been the best thing for his career.

When asked if he had ever considered leaving Old Traffird, he admitted: “Before the manager came, maybe a little bit, but it’s football, it happens. Everything is going to happen for a reason and he came to the club at the right time for me, the timing worked out.

“Now the conversation is a little bit different because I think it’s clear, the manager is very ambitious and has been since the minute he stepped in. I didn’t really have doubt in my mind about that.

“I’m hungry to keep improving, for the players and the staff to keep improving and getting used to each other, pushing ourselves to be better than we were the year before. Ultimately, that’s the only way we’re going to get back to winning trophies consistently.”

Antony WARNED he must STEP UP by Man Utd great

Man Utd legend Jaap Stam has warned Brazilian wing man Antony that he must step up a gear as he gets ready for his second season at Old Trafford.

United paid out a massive €95m fee to prise Antony away from Ajax early last season, and while there were flashes of brilliance, it's fair to say the jury is out on whether their outlay was worthwhile.

And Stam, a key figure in United's 1998-99 Treble-winning team, is one of the experts who believes he needs to produce more.

“You know Antony’s got quality, of course, on the ball,” Stam told Manchester United's official website.

“He’s got decent pace, even if he’s not lightning. He needs to become, and I know we were talking about being predictable in a way of playing, then he needs to step up a gear to make a change.

“As a winger, you always need to be very decisive. You need to take initiative on the ball. You need to go forward. You need to take on your one-v-ones and you need to make it difficult for your opposition by, one time, going inside and, the other time, going outside.

“Of course, that’s the thing that I think he still needs to do a little bit more. But we know him from Holland as well. We know his ability and his quality. And I think he can step up, you know, one or two gears. So he needs to show that this season. He had last season as well to get adjusted to the league and to get adjusted to the opposition he’s facing as well."

Shaw makes ADMISSION about new Man Utd signing Mason Mount

Mason Mount is creating quite the impression since his £55m transfer from Chelsea to Man Utd.

England and now Old Trafford team-mate Luke Shaw is one of those who is still getting adjusted to Mount being a part of the furniture in M16.

"It's quite strange to be honest," he admitted.

MORE: Man Utd Pre-season fixtures, schedule & TV details

''But now I'm really happy to have him here. I think it's been quite nice for the new lads to come in because sometimes in the past they've come in after the tour and I think the tour is a good time to come [into the squad] because we're all together a lot.

''So it's nice for them to be with the lads and the staff and integrate and get to know everyone a bit more than when you're just at the training ground. So it's been really good, really positive and I'm looking forward to one more game.''