- Manchester United are on the hunt for a new midfielder and have five transfer targets
- Interest in PSG midfielder Manuel Ugarte cools due to his asking price
- The Red Devils have reportedly made contact with Burnley midfielder Sander Berge
Manchester United fans believe they have uncovered a major transfer clue on the club’s website as they continue their hunt for midfield reinforcements.
The Red Devils have made two additions this summer with the signings of Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro but the need for a midfield player remains.
The club have been linked with a host of names, most recently PSG midfielder Manuel Ugarte, although interest in him appears to have waned as the club are unwilling to pay the French side’s asking price.
According mirrorNew sporting director Dan Ashworth has drawn up a five-man shortlist that includes Monaco’s Youssouf Fofana, Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, Palmeiras’ Richard Rios and Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat.
And some are now convinced the latest name on that list could be the player he signs, as he is included on the ‘squad’ page of the club’s website in the new United shirt.
Erik ten Hag is on the hunt for a new midfielder this summer ahead of the new Premier League campaign.
Sofyan Amrabat, who spent last season on loan at the club, remains listed on the Red Devils’ website as a member of the squad.
The Moroccan was rather disappointing in his season at Old Trafford, although he contributed to United’s FA Cup victory.
Amrabat spent last season on loan at Old Trafford but his time there was largely disappointing, starting just 15 of his 30 appearances.
A United fan on X said: ‘I checked the official #MUFC app a few minutes ago, Sofyan Amrabat, who is currently not a United player (his loan deal expired on June 30), is still on our website.
‘This could only make sense now that the Ugarte deal is potentially off. I expect Amrabat to be a United player before the weekend.’
Another said: “It looks like Amrabat is staying with the club… He is still listed on the club website as our player.” While a third commented in a similar vein: “United still list Amrabat as a first team player on their website…”
Erik ten Hag’s side spent £8.5m to secure his services from Fiorentina on a 12-month deal but have yet to decide whether to activate their £21.4m purchase option.
Fiorentina sporting director Daniele Prade also said in June that the Moroccan international wants to remain in England next season.
“I would like him to stay in Florence, but it doesn’t seem like that’s what he has in mind,” he said. “I think he wants to stay in the Premier League, but we haven’t heard from anyone since.”
United have reportedly cooled their interest in PSG and Uruguay midfielder Manuel Ugarte due to his asking price.
In addition to the four midfielders mentioned above, according to The Athletic, United have made contact with the representatives of Burnley star Sander Berge over a potential transfer.
However, plans to sign Zubimendi were hit by reports that Liverpool had turned their attention to the 25-year-old. A deal has yet to be finalised, but the Reds appear to be in the best position to land him this summer.
