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Manchester United will have to quickly put the Community Shield defeat to Manchester City behind them. Erik ten Hag's team next face Fulham at home on Friday, August 16, in their opening game of the Premier League season.
Meanwhile, the Red Devils have stepped up their efforts to sign Brighton & Hove Albion striker Evan Ferguson. Elsewhere, Bruno Fernandes has agreed a new deal at Old Trafford.
On that note, here's a look at the key Manchester United transfer stories from August 11, 2024.
Manchester United eyeing Evan Ferguson
Manchester United are preparing to move for Evan Ferguson this summer, according to The Daily Star. The Red Devils have roped in Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna this summer to bolster their striker department.
Erik ten Hag also has the talented Rasmus Hojlund on his roster. The Danish striker arrived at Old Trafford last summer from Atalanta and had a decent debut campaign. He scored 16 goals and set up two in 43 games across competitions.
The 21-year-old has been handed the No. 9 shirt this summer following Anthony Martial's departure. However, Hojlund picked up a knock in pre-season and is expected to be sidelined for close to six weeks.
The situation has forced the Premier League giants to consider their options. Ferguson is a long-term target for the club, while new sporting director Dan Ashworth is eager to see the Irishman at Old Trafford.
The 19-year-old wasn't in his element last season for Brighton & Hove Albion, but his stock remains high. it's now believed that Chelsea have entered the race for Ferguson, prompting Manchester United to step up their efforts. The Red Devils could submit a £50 million offer for the player in the coming days.
Bruno Fernandes agrees new deal, says Fabrizio Romano
Bruno Fernandes is all set to sign a new deal with Manchester United, according to acclaimed transfer guru Fabrizio Romano. The Portuguese talisman has been outstanding for the club since arriving at Old Trafford in 2020. He has arguably been the club's best signing in the past decade.
Speculation was ripe regarding the player's future at the start of this summer, with his previous contract set to expire in 2026. However, the Red Devils have moved quickly to end any doubt regarding his stay. Fernandes was handed the armband last season and has been indispensable under Ten Hag as well.
The Premier League giants have now reached an agreement for a new deal until 2027, with the option for an additional year. The 29-year-old will be among the club's highest earners and the contract will be signed before the end of this summer.
Red Devils prioritising move for Manuel Ugarte, says Fabrizio Romano
Manchester United are prioritising a move for Manuel Ugarte this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano. The Red Devils are looking for a new defensive midfielder this summer, following Casemiro's recent fall from grace.
The Brazilian was a shadow of his former self last season and is likely to be on the move this year. The Premier League giants have already identified Ugarte as his replacement and are in talks with Paris Saint-Germain to facilitate a deal.
However, talks haven't progressed well due to the Parisians' demands, and it has been reported that Manchester United are considering alternatives. Burnley's Sander Berge and Monaco midfielder Youssouf Fofana have been named as possible options.
However, in his column for Caught Offside, Romano has insisted that Ugarte remains the club's preferred choice.
"United also remain busy in the search for a new midfielder - they spoke with the agents of Sander Berge and have considered other options, but their top target remains Manuel Ugarte," wrote Romano.
He continued:
"PSG will have to drop their price as United will not pay crazy money, otherwise they could also sell one player in that position, it could be Scott McTominay or Casemiro, we will see, but they will likely need a sale in order to finance the deal."
Ugarte joined the Ligue 1 champions from Sporting last summer and is under contract till 2028.
