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Manchester United started the new season with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Fulham at Old Trafford in the Premier League on Friday, August 16. Manager Erik ten Hag will be desperate to stamp his authority in the league after an underwhelming 2023-24 campaign, where his side finished a lowly eighth.
Meanwhile, PSG midfielder Manuel Ugarte is eager to move to Old Trafford this summer. Elsewhere, Fiorentina are eyeing United defender Victor Lindelof.
On that note, here's a look at the key Manchester United transfer stories as on August 18, 2024:
Manuel Ugarte eager to join Manchester United, says Fabrizio Romano
Manuel Ugarte is desperate to complete a move to Manchester United this summer, according to acclaimed transfer guru Fabrizio Romano. The Red Devils have identified the Uruguayan midfielder as a possible target this summer.
Ten Hag has invested heavily in the back line this year and has also brought in Joshua Zirkzee to improve his attack. However, the Dutch manager remains keen to improve his midfield as well, especially amid concerns about Casemiro's form.
The Brazilian wasn't in his element last season, so the Premier League giants want Ugarte to take his place. Manchester United are in talks with Paris Saint-Germain to facilitate a deal, gut negotiations are yet to reach a fruitful end.
On his Playback channel, Romano said that the 23-year-old wants his future sorted at the earliest.
"We have to mention Ugarte. Man United and Paris Saint-Germain have been in touch almost the whole summer to discuss this Manuel Ugarte story.
"The real change of the last two or three days is that Manuel Ugarte has started pushing like crazy to go to Manchester United. What I'm hearing is that Ugarte is really tired of the situation," said Romano.
Ugarte is under contract at the Parc des Princes till 2028.
Fiorentina want Victor Lindelof
Fiorentina are eyeing a move for Victor Lindelof this summer, according to reputed journalist Gianluca Di Marzio. Manchester United have made multiple changes to their backline this summer.
Raphael Varane left Old Trafford at the end of last season, and Ten Hag moved quickly to sign Leny Yoro from Lille as a replacement. The manager also signed Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich to reinforce his defence.
With Harry Maguire, Jonny Evans and Lisandro Martinez also in the mix, Lindelof is a long way down the pecking order. The Premier League giants are ready to let him go this year, and Fiorentina are interested.
The Tuscan side are apparently planning to move for the 30-year-old this summer. Lindelof has entered the final year of his contract and could will be allowed to leave for a nominal fee. A loan move also seems to be a possibility.
Red Devils ready to offload Hannibal Mejbri
Manchester United are willing to cash in on Hannibal Mejbri this summer, according to Football Insider. The 21-year-old was once tipped to achieve great things at Old Trafford, but his development hasn't gone according to plan.
Mejbri spent the second half of last season on loan at Sevilla but failed to leave a mark. The Red Devils are now planning his departure this summer to raise funds for further additions.
Ten Hag has invested a small fortune on new signings and will have to focus on offloading players next. The Dutchman is looking for a new midfielder, and Mejbri appears surplus to requirements.
The Premier League giants will only consider permanent offers for the 21-year-old, who has been linked with Rangers and Celtic recently.
