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Manchester United are working to get back to their best after a hugely disappointing 2023-24 campaign. An FA Cup triumph provided only temporary respite, as the eighth-placed finish in the Premier League was unacceptable by the club's standards.
Meanwhile, the Red Devils have submitted their second offer for Everton defender Jarrad Brathwaite. Elsewhere, Manuel Ugarte remains firmly on the Old Trafford outfit's radar.
On that note, here's a look at the key Manchester United transfer stories as on July 9, 2024:
Manchester United offer £50 million for Jarrad Branthwaite, says Fabrizio Romano
Manchester United have submitted a £50 million offer for Jarrad Branthwaite, according to acclaimed transfer guru Fabrizio Romano. Erik ten Hag is looking to upgrade his defence following a poor 2023-24 campaign.
With Raphael Varane gone, the manager is in talks with Matthijs de Ligt to arrive at Old Trafford this summer. However, Ten Hag also has his eyes on Branthwaite, who enjoyed an impressive season with Everton.
The Red Devils submitted an opening offer of £35 million for the 22-year-old earlier this summer, but it was swiftly rejected by the Toffees. Manchester United have returned with an improved proposal, which includes £45 million upfront and a further £5 million in add-ons.
However, that has also been turned down by the Merseyside club. Everton apparently want £65-70 million to let their prized asset leave Goodison Park this summer. The Red Devils are reluctant to pay that amount, but a third offer cannot be ruled out at the moment.
Red Devils retain Manuel Ugarte interest
Manchester United have retained their interest in Manuel Ugarte, according to Le10Sport. The Uruguayan midfielder is currently making a name for himself at Copa America, following a decent debut campaign with Paris Saint-Germain.
Ugarte arrived at the Parc des Princes from Sporting last summer and registered 37 appearances across competitions in the 2023-24 season. However, recent reports suggest that he's no longer part of Luis Enrique's plans.
The Red Devils are looking for a new midfielder following Casemiro's drastic fall from grace. The Brazilian midfielder was a shadow of himself last season and is likely to be offloaded this summer.
Ugarte has been identified as the ideal candidate to take his place. The 23-year-old is under contract with the Ligue 1 champions till 2028 and is likely to be available this summer for a decent fee.
However, Manchester United face competition from Barcelona and Manchester City for his signature.
Juventus eyeing Jadon Sancho, says journalist
Juventus remain keen to bring Jadon Sancho to Turin, according to journalist Matteo Moretto. The English forward spent the second half of last season on loan at Borussia Dortmund after a public fallout with Ten Hag.
Sancho had a decent return to Signal Iduna Park, registering three goals and as many assists in 21 appearances across competitions in the second half of last season. However, Manchester United are apparently looking to move him on this summer owing to his strained relationship with Ten Hag.
The Bianconeri are looking to add more firepower to their attack this year and are among the clubs eyeing the situation with interest. Sancho is not short of suitors this summer despite his failure to live up to expectations with the Premier League giants.
In his column for Caught Offside, Moretto added that the Red Devils are already in talks with Juventus to facilitate a deal.
“It’s true that Juventus are following Jadon Sancho, they want him. They are speaking with Manchester United and with his representatives. There are also other clubs in the Premier League and in Europe that want him,” wrote Moretto.
He continued:
“In terms of Sancho himself, he is very open to a move to Juventus, but a lot will depend on an agreement being reached between the clubs, because negotiating with Manchester United is not easy, the costs in the Premier League are different compared to elsewhere."
He concluded:
“The feeling I’m getting is that United would rather that he left on loan abroad. It’s an opinion rather than information, but the norm would be that United do not want to strengthen a rival in the Premier League.”
The Englishman is under contract at Old Trafford till 2026.
