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Manchester United are putting together final preparations ahead of their Premier League clash with arch-rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday (September 1). Erik ten Hag's team will be desperate for a win after losing 2-1 at Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend.
Meanwhile, the Red Devils have announced the arrival of Uruguayan midfielder Manuel Ugarte from PSG on transfer deadline day on Friday. Elsewhere, two players were wanted in La Liga this week, but the Premier League giants refused to let them go.
On that note, here's a look at the key Manchester United transfer stories as on August 31, 2024:
Manchester United announce Manuel Ugarte arrival
Manchester United have confirmed the arrival of Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain this summer. The Red Devils were hot on the heels of the Uruguayan midfielder since July and have finally got a deal across the line.
Ugarte joined the Parisians last year from Sporting, but the arrival of Joao Neves this summer rendered him surplus to requirements under Luis Enrique. The Premier League giants were engaged in prolonged negotiations with their Ligue 1 counterparts, and a breakthrough was reached earlier this week.
Speaking to the club's media, Ugarte said that he's determined to help Manchester United return to their former glory.
"It is an incredible feeling to join a club of this magnitude, one that is admired all around the world.
"The project that the football leadership discussed with me is extremely exciting. Manchester United is an ambitious club, and I am an ambitious player," said Ugarte.
He continued:
“The passion of supporters is something that is very important to me; I know how incredible United fans are and I cannot wait to experience Old Trafford.
"I’m someone who is so determined to succeed. I will sacrifice and give everything for my teammates. Together, we will fight to win trophies and reach the level where this club needs to be.”
Ugarte has signed a five-year deal that will keep him at Old Trafford till 2029, with the option of another year.
Red Devils reject late exit for two players
Erik ten Hag turned down a late approach from La Liga for the signature of Antony and Christian Eriksen, according to The Daily Mail. Real Betis were keen to bring the duo on loan for the rest of the season on Deadline Day.
Antony has failed to live up to expectations following his big-money move from Ajax a couple of summers ago. Eriksen, meanwhile, has entered the final year of his contract with Manchester United and has been usurped from the first team by Kobbie Mainoo.
However, Ten Hag believes that both players have key roles to play in the current campaign. Eriksen's experience could be highly beneficial for younger players like Mainoo, while Antony will also have the chance to prove his worth.
Former player slams Erik ten Hag for Scott McTominay decision
Former Manchester City midfielder Michael Brown has slammed Erik ten Hag for his treatment of Scott McTominay. The Scot left Manchester United this summer to move to Napoli on a permanent transfer.
McTominay rose through the ranks at Old Trafford but has been in and out of the first team under the Dutch manager. Ten Hag said that he was disappointed to see the 27-year-old leave this summer.
However, speaking on The BBC, Brown said that the Dutchman never gave McTominay the respect he deserved.
“I think Erik ten Hag was talking a load of rubbish when he said he was disappointed at Scott McTominay’s departure. McTominay has given everything to Manchester United, and whenever there has been a chance to leave him out, Ten Hag has," said Brown.
He continued:
“He keeps getting treated like the homegrown player rather than the player he is. The manager has not treated him right. I get certain other players have to play at times – but McTominay has not been treated right.”
McTominay appeared 255 times for the Premier League giants, scoring 29 goals and setting up eight.
