Manchester United still have work to do in the transfer market, with midfield expected to be the next area where the team strengthen.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United are ‘super active’ in their efforts to sign a midfielder.
It is a key objective for Ineos to add more talent around Kobbie Mainoo, but there are also expected to be outgoings too.
Various names have been linked with moves to the club over the past few days. We have ranked them below…
6) Richard Rios
Manchester United are interested in a surprise move for Richard Rios, per Goal Brasil. The Colombian midfielder impressed at the Copa America, where he made more successful dribbles than any other player.
Palmeiras do not want to lose Rios, but United do have the financial power to do a deal. Rios’ playing style is more of a number eight than a holding midfielder. He could be a more energetic replacement for Christian Eriksen.
Rios, 24, has a high upside, but is untested in European football and is a far less proven option than the other players on the list.
5) Adrien Rabiot
A neverending saga, French midfielder Adrien Rabiot is now a free agent after deciding to leave Juventus.
Manchester United have been linked for the past two summers under Erik ten Hag, and there are suggestions the club could make a move now.
Rabiot is 29, and would just be a short-term option, but one who would provide valuable experience to United’s midfield.
4) Sofyan Amrabat
Sofyan Amrabat is the ‘safe option’, a player Erik ten Hag and Manchster United know well after his loan last season. The Moroccan’s loan spell was mixed, but when given a run of starts in midfield, he delivered.
None more so than the FA Cup Final when Amrabat was one of the best players on the pitch, showing he can gel well with Mainoo.
Amrabat won’t be a first choice signing, he would be a squad player. Injuries last season showed United need depth, and at the right price, he could be useful.
United have informed Fiorentina they will not pay the pre-agreed purchase clause in his loan, but would be open to negotiating a lower fee.
3) Youssouf Fofana
French midfielder Youssouf Fofana is on Manchester United’s radar, according to Sky Sports – but there is competition from AC Milan.
United looked at a deal for Fofana late last summer but only wanted a loan, and moved for Amrabat instead.
Fofana, 25, is an all round midfielder who would add valuable strength in depth to United’s midfield.
Last season he played 35 games in all competitions for Monaco, chipping in with four goals and four assists.
2) Martin Zubimendi
Manchester United are interested in a move for Spain international midfielder Martin Zubimendi, Goal report.
Erik ten Hag’s side went up against Zubimendi early in his reign as manager as United traded wins with Real Sociedad in the Europa League in late 2022.
Zubimendi has a release clause of 60 million Euros and it is unlikely Sociedad would sanction the sale of their key player for anything less.
1) Manuel Ugarte
Manchester United’s first choice midfield target is Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte.
The Uruguayan international was one of the best midfielders at the Copa America, and PSG are willing to sell Ugarte to raise money for their own targets.
The 23-year-old is a combative defensive midfielder, who would be a direct replacement for Casemiro. Ugarte’s playing style would fit United’s requirements, allowing Mainoo to progress higher up the pitch.
Importantly, Ugarte is keen on a move, meaning it is up to United to now agree a fee with PSG.