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Hello and welcome to the Manchester United Transfer News round-up for 7th August 2019. We bring you the biggest transfer stories of the day involving Manchester United and here are our top picks for the day.
Also Read: Manchester United News and Rumours: August 6, 2019
#5 Manchester United officially reveal Harry Maguire shirt number
Manchester United announced the signing of Harry Maguire on Monday, finally reinforcing a problematic position that has been their bane last season. The Englishman cost United around £80m, making him the costliest defender in the world ahead of Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk. With his arrival, it seems that the Red Devils finally have the leader at the back that they have craved since the exit of Nemanja Vidic. However, it looks like the former Leicester City defender will be walking in Rio Ferdinand's shoes after all!
As the dust settles on Harry Maguire's record breaking move to Old Trafford, Manchester United have revealed that the Englishman has been allocated the No. 5 shirt for the upcoming season. It is a number that Maguire is well acquainted with since his time at Hull City and Sheffield United, where he had donned the same shirt number.
The Englishman had worn the No. 15 shirt at Leicester City, as the No. 5 belonged to club captain Wes Morgan. Incidentally, Maguire wears the No. 6 shirt for his country. He is only the 6th player to wear the No. 5 shirt for an entire season or more for United and he will be joining an interesting set of players who previously wore the shirt.
Laurent Blanc, Ronny Johnsen and Lee Sharpe have all worn the jersey, but it was Rio Ferdinand who gained iconic status as the United No. 5 in the Premier league. The Englishman wore the No. 6 in his first season, before moving on to the No. 5 and the rest is history.
Argentinean Marcos Rojo was the most recent holder of the shirt number, wearing it from the 2014/15 season til 2017/18 season. He moved to the No.16 last season after Carrick retired, and as United failed to get a centerback last season, the No. 5 remained unclaimed. This year, it shall belong to Harry Maguire, who will be hopeful of reaching unprecedented heights in the famous shirt.
Manchester United fans could get a glimpse of the Englishman as the new No. 5 in the Chelsea game this weekend, provided the United manager deems him fit enough for the tie.
#4 Manchester United end Christian Eriksen pursuit
Only yesterday we revealed that the Red Devils were preparing a late raid for the signature of Tottenham Hotspur playmaker Christian Eriksen. The Denmark International midfielder was first expected to be a direct replacement for Paul Pogba, however, it was soon revealed that Solskjaer had space for both superstars in his team. When it was looking increasingly likely that United could get their hands on the fourth signing of this summer, there has been a surprising development in the saga.
Manchester United have ended their pursuit of Christian Eriksen, amid fears that the player does not have his heart on the move. Solskjaer is believed to be a big admirer of the Dane, but United have realized that Eriksen has his sights on a move to Spain.
The Red Devils only want to recruit players who are willing to move to Old Trafford, which is why the Paulo Dybala deal never materialized. It seems that United have decided to move away from Christian Eriksen for similar reasons. The Red Devils are still looking for other alternatives in the market.
#3 United reject loan bid for Chris Smalling
Harry Maguire's arrival at Old Trafford was supposed to trigger a set of chain reactions in the squad. The Englishman is a part of at least 7 centerbacks at United right now, including Axel Tuanzebe, Eric Bailly, Victor Lindelof, Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo. While the Maguire-Lindelof pairing should be Solskjaer's preferred choice, it was expected that the Red Devils would be open to offloading at least a couple of the squad players for the same position.
Sky Sports reports that Everton had approached United with a loan offer for Chris Smalling, but it was rejected by the Red Devils. Solskjaer apparent sees the Englishman as an integral part of his squad and is unwilling to let him leave. Smalling signed a contract extention in December last year, which shall keep him at Old Trafford until June 2022, with an option for an additional year.
While United's reluctance to sell might surprise a few fans, it is understandable why Solskjaer wants the Englishman around. Eric Bailly is out for 4 months with injury and Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo have an injury ridden history. As such, Smalling and young Tuanzebe remain the only viable back up plan for the Maguire-Lindelof pair.
#2 Luke Shaw inspired by last season's hurt
In an interview to Sky Sports, Luke Shaw said that the pains from last season is inspiring him to better himself and push himself further on the pitch. The Englishman revealed that winning the Player of the Year Award was a big achievement, but he still believes that he can improve.
From a personal point of view, it was a better season than I have had for a while but I still think I can do much better. There is more to come from me and everyone needs to be better because last season was somewhere near embarrassing.
Shaw revealed that after the disappointing end to the season, the good fortunes of fellow English clubs, who were playing in European and domestic finals, piled further misery on the United players.
Of course it hurt. We all felt it. We have a lot to prove this season and I am sure we will.
However, Shaw reveals that after a strong pre-season, the team is raring to go in the upcoming Premier League season.
We have worked very hard and all taken it in a positive way. Now we are all benefiting from it massively. We feel good and fresh. The players seem more energetic.
I feel we are ready and I can't wait.
#1 Romelu Lukaku edging closer to Inter Milan
We revealed in this segment recently that Romelu Lukaku was back in Belgium, training with his boyhood club Anderlecht, even as serious doubts remained over his future. The Belgian has been monitored by both Inter Milan and Juventus to no avail, as a move has not materialized so far. However, it seems that the door has not shut on Lukaku as of yet.
Sky Sports reports that the Belgian's agent, Federico Pastorello had traveled to the UK to hold crunch talks with Manchester United over his agent's future at the club. The Red Devils are willing to let their star striker leave, provided their valuation of £79m is met. Inter Milan's recent bid of £68m including add ons was rejected by United.
Matt Law of the Telegraph has also revealed that there has been progress between United and Inter Milan regarding Lukaku's future. The Serie A side still believe that they can secure the Belgian's signature this summer.
However, should Lukaku stay at Old Trafford beyond the summer, there should not be any tensions between the player and Solskjaer, as both have been respectful while speaking of the other in public.
