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Manchester United are working to improve their squad ahead of a crucial season. New manager Erik ten Hag needs more quality in his arsenal as he prepares to break into the top four next campaign.
Meanwhile, former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson believes Cristiano Ronaldo has played his last game for the Red Devils. Elsewhere, the Old Trafford outfit have submitted a £43 million bid for an Ajax defender.
On that note, here's a look at the key Manchester United transfer stories as of July 8, 2022:
Cristiano Ronaldo has played his last game for Manchester United, says Paul Merson
Paul Merson believes Cristiano Ronaldo’s time at Manchester United has come to an end. The Portuguese has reportedly asked the Red Devils to offload him if they receive a suitable offer. The 37-year-old’s future has been up in the air since the club failed to secure UEFA Champions League football for next season. United posted their lowest points total in the Premier League era as they finished sixth last season. This despite Ronaldo's 24 goals in 38 games across competitions for the Red Devils.
In his column for The Daily Star, Merson said that Ronaldo should have left at the end of last season.
“Manchester United will try to paint Cristiano Ronaldo as the villain - and if he's really left it this late in the day to tell them he wants out, then he is! You don't know what's happened behind the scenes, but I don't like this situation at all,” wrote Merson.
He added:
“We all knew in February that United weren't getting in the Champions League. Ronaldo should have said he was going as soon as the season ended. Now, he's just thrown United into turmoil. He scored his goals and won them plenty of points, but they finished outside the top four, and scored less goals as a team.”
Merson suggested that Ten Hag doesn’t want Ronaldo at Old Trafford.
“Something's not right there, and I don't like what's happening now. If I'm being honest I don't really think Erik ten Hag wants him at the club. But it's a little bit of a game now where they will try to make him look like the villain,” wrote Merson.
He concluded:
"And I don't see Ronaldo playing for United again. United now need a striker more than ever. But where are they going to find one? There aren't many around; now Nunez has signed for Liverpool."
Red Devils submit £43 million bid for Lisandro Martinez
Manchester United have submitted an improved offer of £43 million for Ajax centre-back Lisandro Martinez, according to The Daily Mail via Caught Offside.
The Argentinean defender is a target for Ten Hag this summer as he plots to add more steel to his backline. The 24-year-old has informed Ajax that he wants to leave, and the Eredivisie giants are willing to grant him his wish.
The Red Devils are in hot pursuit of Martinez. The Premier League giants’ initial bid of £38 million failed to convince Ajax, and the Old Trafford outfit have now hiked their offer. Ajax are likely to consider the improved offer.
Gabriel Agbonlahor believes Luke Shaw could be worried about his place in team
Former Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor believes Luke Shaw could be worried about his place in the team following the arrival of left-back Tyrell Malacia. Ten Hag opted to make the former Feyenoord defender his first signing at Manchester United earlier this month.
Speaking to Football Insider, Agbonlahor said that Malacia’s arrival would put pressure on Shaw to perform.
“100 per cent (Shaw will question his status in the team). Ten Hag wants competition for places like every managerl you don’t want players getting comfortable. The new signing from Feyenoord will add that. Luke Shaw has injury problems, and Ten Hag will want a good option if Luke Shaw is injured. Luke Shaw has to come back to pre-season fighting because now he’s going to have pressure for his place,” said Agbonlahor.
