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Hello and welcome back to the Manchester United Transfer News round-up for 7th June 2019. We are back with the top transfer stories of the day involving Manchester United and here are our top five picks for today.
Also Read: Manchester United Transfer News: June 6, 2019
#5 Woodward wants at least 2 signings completed before July
Ed Woodward has recently turned into the big villain in the eyes of United's fans, owing to his inability to make marque signings. Indeed, United's transfer activity in the last couple of years has been disappointing to say the least. Dealings have dragged for days, the club has overpaid for mediocre players and targets have joined their rivals right under their eyes. As such, with Solskjaer ushering in a new era at Old Trafford, much depends on Woodward this summer and we start today's segment with news surrounding the United vice-chairman.
The Sun reports that Ed Woodward is targeting at least 2 mega money sigings by the end of this month. United are already linked with a host of world class players, but apart from Daniel James, who already completed his medical yesterday, no other players have come close to joining. As such, it looks increasingly unlikely that United will be able to complete all their transfer business by 1st July, as Solskjaer had desired.
However, Woodward is determined to complete 2 superstar signings before the start of July, so that the new men are afforded time to get used to their new environment. It is understood that at least one of them will be a new defender, while United are also looking at central midfielders and strikers.
The Sun further reports that United staff are expecting two new faces by the start of July. A source close to United had this to reveal:
Some of the staff at Carrington have been told to expect at least two new faces visiting before training on July 1
We are pretty confident a couple are close to getting over the line. Talks are going well and have been before the end of last season.
There could be as many as four that join up with the rest of the squad in upcoming tour of Australia and Far East.
If Woodward can successfully make this happen, all of his failures will promptly be forgiven and forgotten.
#4 United face stiff competition for signature of Lyon star
We had earlier revealed in this segment that Manchester United were interested in Lyon striker Moussa Dembele. There were even reports that a £35m bid had been placed by the Red Devils for the services of the Frenchman.
Solskjaer apparently considered the mobile striker the perfect man to lead his attack and even looked at him as the ideal replacement for Lukaku. However, it now appears that United are not the only club monitoring Dembele.
The Metro reports that Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool have all been in touch with Lyon and have asked to be notified if the Ligue 1 side wants to sell. However, Lyon are keen to keep a hold of the striker who scored 21 goals in his first season.
Chelsea look the least likely of the four suitors, as their transfer ban is all but confirmed. Liverpool apparently see the Frenchman as a replacement for the outgoing Sturridge, while Arsenal are monitoring him because Emery is a fan of the player. The Gunner also want to bring Dembele to Emirates if either of Aubameyang or Lacazette leave this summer.
Looks like United have quite the competition to address, so will Woodward be able to deliver?
#3 United identify Nemanja Matic replacement
While people continue to indulge in Paul Pogba's imminent move out of Old Trafford, here's some news about his midfield partner, Nemanja Matic. The Serbian joined United in the summer of 2017 and immediately established himself as a first team member.
However, his form dipped drastically in the last 12 months and in Solskjaer's pressing, high tempo style of play, Matic has often looked a liability. It is not a wonder that he has appeared in just 5 of United's last 12 games. The Red Devils are apparently looking out for a replacement and now it looks like they might have found one.
According to the Metro, United have identified Eric Dier as the perfect man to replace the Serbian. Solskjaer actually wanted to bring youngster Declan Reece to Old Trafford, but West Ham are reluctant to sell. Tottenham, on the other hand, are more open to selling Dier, who had been a long term target for United and had been close to joining United in 2017, before Mourinho ultimately opted for Matic. A formal bid has not been placed yet, but Dier could be a fine addition to this United team.
#2 Solskjaer admits £160m duo might be out of reach this summer
According to the Evening Standard, Solskjaer has all but given up hopes of signing two of his main targets of this summer window. After a pretty underwhelming season, the stage was set for a major revamp at Old Trafford. Solskjaer had reportedly created a list of players he wants to add to the United squad, however, the Norwegian now has almost admitted defeat in the pursuit of two of his first choices.
Manchester United's right wing had been a problem for quite a few seasons now, and Solskjaer had his eyes on Borussia Dortmund's £100m rated winger Jadon Sancho to be the answer. The Englishman was the perfect fit to Solskjaer's plans, however, a move to Old Trafford apparently does not appeal to the Englishman. Borussia themselves are not too keen on selling their prized asset.
The other player in question is West Ham United's Declan Rice. The £60m rated teenager has impressed last season for the Hammers, and looks ready to perform at the big stage. He was seen as the ideal replacement for Matic in the United midfield. However, neither the player nor West Ham have shown any inclination for the move.
As such, Solskjaer has reportedly turned his attention to other viable targets, which, given the circumstances, could be a practical move.
#1 Matthijs de Ligt gives fresh hope to Manchester United
The Express brings today's top story of the day.
Manchester United's top target of the summer, Matthijs de Ligt, has given the club fresh hopes, as his transfer saga continues to drag on. de Ligt was seen in action against England in the semi finals of the Nations league, where his error in first half allowed England to take the lead. The Dutchman fouled Marcus Rashford in the box and gave away a penalty, which the United striker converted. However, de Ligt went on to score the equalizer, as Netherlands won the game in Extra Time.
Speaking to Talksport, de Ligt spoke highly of the Premier League, but added that he had not arrived at a decision yet.
Obviously the Premier League is a great competition, but I haven’t made up my mind yet
I’m still looking at what to do.
For me, the most important thing is to play. I think today showed what experience can do.
He went on to say that he is fully focussed on the Nations League final
Now I’m focusing on the next game against Portugal, that’s the most important thing.
When he speaks about the Premier League, it is only fair that Manchester United comes to mind. And the fact that he has not made up his mind yet, continues to give the Red Devils a thin ray of hope.
But will de Ligt be a United player come August? We shall know pretty soon.
