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Manchester United reportedly had a £50 million offer for Brighton & Hove Albion wunderkind Evan Ferguson, which was swiftly turned down.
ESPN's Rob Dawson says that Brighton 'laughed off' the Red Devils' offer for the in-form Republic of Ireland international. Erik ten Hag's side were on the lookout for a centre-forward this summer, and it appears that they had their sights on Ferguson.
The Brighton forward has enjoyed a meteoric rise at the Amex. He bagged 10 goals and three assists in 25 games across competitions last season. He has followed that up with four goals in five games this campaign.
Manchester United instead turned to Danish striker Rasmus Hojlund, who arrived from Serie A side Atalanta for £72 million. He managed 10 goals and four assists in 34 games across competitions last season.
The offer tabled by the Red Devils for the Seagulls' teenager is laughable, given the fees paid by clubs for talent this summer. Brighton secured a British record £115 million transfer from Chelsea for Moises Caicedo.
Roberto De Zerbi's side regards Ferguson as one of their most key players and one of the most exciting talents in Europe. Ferguson was lauded by his manager after bagging his first hat-trick for Brighton in the 3-1 Premier League win against Newcastle United (via Sky Sports):
“Ferguson can become one of the best, the top scorer in Europe...He can become big, big, big."
It remains to be seen if Manchester United go back in for Ferguson, as they have signed Hojlund. They're both of similar age, and Ten Hag often prefers one frontman to lead the line.
If they do reignite their interest in the Irish striker, United could face hefty competition from Premier League rivals. Reports claim that Arsenal and Manchester City are both interested in the teenager.
Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana responds to claims he was only bought for his ball-playing abilities
Andre Onana made the switch to Old Trafford this summer, reunited with his former Ajax manager Ten Hag. The Cameroonian joined Manchester United from Serie A giants Inter Milan for £47.2 million.
The 27-year-old has replaced United legend David de Gea after the club allowed his contract to expire. Many expected Onana's adaption to be easy, as he has played under Ten Hag and knows the style of football the Dutchman likes to play.
However, Onana has endured a difficult spell with the Red Devils, conceding 10 goals in five games. He hasa been more comfortable than De Gea with the ball at his feet, but many have questioned his shot-stopping abilities.
Nevertheless, the Cameroon international insists that he hasn't been signed by Manchester United because of his ball-playing abilities (via The Daily Mail):
"I don’t think I’m here because I'm good with my feet. First I have to save the goals, that’s why I’m here."
The former Inter shot-stopper acknowledged that if his calmness in possession is required, he's more than willing to help out:
"The most important is the team. We are here to win. If the team needs me with my feet, I will be good with my feet. but it depends on the situation, a high block or a low block."
Onana has been nominated for the Ballon d'Or award after a superb 2022-23 season with Inter. He kept 19 clean sheets in 41 games across competitions, playing a key role in the Nerazzurri's Coppa Italia triumph and run to the UEFA Champions League final.
