How Man Utd failed to hijack Isak transfer
Manchester United reportedly attempted a late hijack of Alexander Isak's move to Newcastle but their offer was rejected by the player.
The striker joined the Magpies recently for a club-record fee of €75 million including add-ons having turned down a proposal from United to make the switch to Old Trafford.
The Red Devils never formally submitted an offer to Real Sociedad but they had approached Isak's representatives to gauge his interest in a move.
However, the 22-year-old is believed to have rejected the proposal on the recommendation of his agents and opted to complete his move to Newcastle where he reportedly tripled his wages.
Isak is hoping to make his debut for his new side in their next game against Liverpool, having missed the draw against Wolves due to work permit delays.
Will Man Utd sign a striker?
United are set to have a busy end to the transfer window after confirming the €100m signing of winger Antony from Ajax.
The Brazilian is set to be followed by Martin Dubravka, with a deal having been agreed to sign the Newcastle goalkeeper on loan to provide competition to David de Gea.
Erik ten Hag is still hoping to sign another forward, with speculation still rife over the future of last season's top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ronaldo is still hoping to leave United for Champions League football but the 37-year-old has found offers hard to come by and could remain at the club, with moves to Napoli and Sporting failing to materialise so far.
Should Ronaldo fail to secure a move away, it could lessen United's prospects of signing a striker, with the club having already spent more than £200m this summer.
Signing Antony would take Manchester United's summer spending over £2️⃣0️⃣0️⃣m 🤑🔴 pic.twitter.com/JFK9u1LMFm
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 29, 2022
Ten Hag's was already thought to be operating with limited funds after spending around £70m on Tyrell Malacia and Lisandro Martinez earlier in the summer.
However, the club opted to splash the cash following their dismal start to the season which saw them lose their opening two Premier League games.
Casemiro joined from Real Madrid for £70m and the big money acquisition of Antony means any move for a striker appears unlikely unless Ronaldo ends up leaving before the deadline.