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Hello and welcome to the Manchester United Transfer News round-up for 29th June 2019. We bring you the top transfer stories of the day involving Manchester United and here are our top five picks for today.
Also Read: Manchester United News and Rumours: June 27, 2019
#5 United target 3 signings after Wan-Bissaka
Manchester United's summer has been far from what fans have been expecting from the club. The Red Devils have been linked with a host of football superstars, but have failed to add any of them to their squad. Daniel James had been the first signing, and for a long time, it seemed that the Welsh youngster would be United's only signing of the summer. However, with the addition of Aaron Wan-Bissaka now, it looks like United's summer business is finally gathering pace.
The Evening Standard reports that after securing Wan-Bissaka's signature, United will turn their attention to at least 3 more targets. The Red Devils are confident of getting their hands on both Sean Longstaff and Bruno Fernandes and will also look at a world-class defender with Harry Maguire being Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's preferred option.
The Norwegian wants the deals to be completed before United fly off for their pre-season tour next week. United have been heavily involved in getting Wan-Bissaka's signature and that has caused a delay in the other deals. However, the Premier League side are confident that Sean Longstaff can be persuaded to leave Newcastle United for Old Trafford, as the player himself is reportedly interested in the move. The 21-year-old is considered to be the long term successor for Michael Carrick and United are confident that they can get their man for £25m, especially since no other top clubs are currently interested in the youngster.
While Longstaff represents the future, Solskjaer is already in need of an immediate fix in the midfield and Sporting Lisbon's Bruno Fernandes is reportedly the man the Norwegian has shortlisted for the role. The club has met with the player's representatives on more than a few occasions and is confident that the Portuguese player will be at Old Trafford next season. This is because there is no clear interest from other Premier League sides. Tottenham were rumored to be vying for his signature, but Mauricio Pochettino is not interested in signing the Portuguese.
#4 Manchester United confirms signing of Aaron Wan-Bissaka
We revealed last time in this segment that United had reached an agreement with Crystal Palace for the signing of Aaron Wan Bissaka. On Saturday, the club confirmed the signing of the Englishman in a 5 year deal with an option of another year. United Manager Solskjaer had big praise for Wan-Bissaka, saying:
Aaron is one of the best upcoming defenders in the Premier League. He has the right work ethic, talent and mentality to play for Manchester United and he fits exactly the type of player that we are looking to bring into the squad to help us improve and push on further.
Aaron is a young, hungry player and eager to learn and that’s important at his age. I am delighted he has signed with us and we look forward to continuing his tremendous development so far.
The player himself sounded delighted to join United:
It’s an unbelievable feeling and an honour to call myself a Manchester United player and something I know that only a small number of players have the privilege to say.
I can’t wait to get going and integrated into the squad. I will have a short break now after the European Championships but I’m looking forward to starting training with the manager and my new team-mates on the pre-season tour.
#3 David De Gea set to stay at Old Trafford
Manchester United fans can breathe a sigh of relief. David De Gea is set to extend his stay at Old Trafford, after weeks of turmoil. This is after the Red Devils showed no interest in Real Madrid custodian Keylor Navas, even though the La Liga giants were open to selling him this summer.
Navas has hardly seen any action last season after Thibaut Courtois became the first choice at the Bernabeu. Real Madrid, as such, were willing to offload the Costa Rican, however, United, who were close to signing the player in 2015, have shown no desire in him. There has been a dearth of suitors of the goalkeeper, as PSG have also withdrawn their interest.
As such, it now seems that Navas will continue to stay at the club and it means that De Gea should be extending his stay and sign in an improved contract that sees him earn around £350,000 per week.
#2 Woodward assures Manchester United employees of more signings
Manchester United's transfer business this summer has caused quite a few concerns among fans as well as club officials. However, club Executive Vice-Chairman has assured his colleague that United are on the right path and more signing are on the way.
According to the Telegraph, Ed Woodward has circulated an internal email just minutes before Wan-Bissaka's announcement, stating that the club was calmly implementing their transfer plan. Woodward also suggested that United would add more players before the end of the transfer window. He wrote
Despite the inflated nature of the transfer market and constant speculation and stories, which can be misleading, the recruitment team - in conjunction with the manager (Ole Gunnar Solskjaer) - are working calmly behind the scenes to bring in other exciting players that fit their long-term vision for the club
Woodward also praised Aaron Wan Bissaka, noting
Aaron fits perfectly with Ole’s philosophy and plans for building his team and is a player who will excite our great fans as the season unfolds
#1 Antonio Valencia joins Ecuadorian side LDU Quito
The BBC reports that former Manchester United skipper Antonio Valencia has joined Ecuadorian side LDU Quito on a free transfer. The club had this to say in their official statement -
One of the most outstanding players in the history of Ecuadorian football, Antonio Valencia, has joined the Whites.
The Ecuadorian footballer had left Manchester United this summer after spending 10 years with the club, since joining them from Wigan in 2009. Valencia had initially played as a right winger, before successfully transforming into a right back. He was so good at his new role that he was considered one of the best right backs in the world at one point of time. However, his form had degraded of late and last season, Valencia had hardly featured under both Solskjaer and Mourinho.
Valencia was a part of the Ecuador side who bowed out of the 2019 Copa America in the group stages. His new club, LDU Quito, are the reigning Ecuadorian Serie A Champions but are currently 7th in the midway point this season.
