Man United Transfer News: Latest on Frenkie de Jong, Christian Eriksen and other summer 2022 window player signings, loans & deals

By | June 11, 2022
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Manchester United fans can expect to see new manager Erik ten Hag make his first moves in the transfer market this summer, and his decisions will be crucial to the club’s chances of arresting their Premier League slide.

The three-time champions of Europe start the 2022/23 campaign in the Europa League after finishing sixth in the English top flight in 2021/22, compounding a season in which they rarely looked like challenging for the Champions League, FA Cup or EFL Cup.

Record signing Paul Pogba has been released, alongside attacking midfielder and academy product Jesse Lingard and veteran Uruguay forward Edinson Cavani.

Ten Hag is likely to have a sizeable budget to work with as he takes over at a club that is still a financial powerhouse despite their struggles to contend for honours in recent seasons.

The Sporting News is rounding up the key updates — all day, every day — below. 

MAN UNITED CONFIRMED DEALS: Transfers in | Transfers out | Updated squad list

MAN UNITED ANALYSIS: Cristiano Ronaldo in the Europa League | Ten Hag’s first press conference | United’s struggles since Sir Alex Ferguson left

Latest Man United transfer news

Last update: Jun 11, 06:00 ET / 11:00 BST

United ‘like’ Inter Milan right-back Denzel Dumfries

Hyperactive right-back Denzel Dumfries was one of the stars of the Netherlands’ group stage at EURO 2020. United are interested in the 26-year-old alongside Chelsea and Tottenham, according to Corriere Dello Sport.

Dumfries caught the eye by scoring twice and providing an assist across the two occasions when he completed 90 minutes for his country at the finals, marauding forward with seemingly tireless energy.

The wideman joined Inter from PSV after the tournament and scored five times and set up five goals across 45 appearances in all competitions last season, including seven Champions League games.

Inter, the report suggests, could be reluctant to let Dumfries leave if their bid to sign Romelu Lukaku only results in a season-long loan, as the Scudetto contenders fear being left short at the end of the 2022/23 season. 

Dutch legend tips Frenkie de Jong for United switch

Former Netherlands international Rafael van der Vaart has told Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong to accept a potential summer move to Manchester United.

Erik ten Hag has been heavily linked with a bid for his former Ajax playmaker but the 25-year-old has consistently stated his intention to remain in Catalonia.

That has not deterred United in their pursuit of him with van der Vaart claiming it could be a positive switch for de Jong.

“At Manchester United it will be like at the national team, as the only one with his type of qualities”, the former Spurs midfielder told Dutch media, reported via Sky Sports.

“I would move to Manchester United if I was him, just do it!

“The move would be ideal. There is a coach who knows exactly what he can and cannot do. If he had to choose today, I would go to United if I were him.”

Alejandro Garnacho set for United extension talks

United will kickstart contract talks with teenage hotshot Alejandro Garnacho to ward off potential transfer interest in the Argentinian.

Garnacho played a starring role as United clinched the FA Youth Cup, alongside the 17-year-old also making his first team debut, and reports from the Manchester Evening News claim a renewal is imminent.

His current deal runs until 2025, but United want to tie the former Atletico Madrid youth prospect to Old Trafford until 2027, after an eye-catching return of 14 goals and six assists in 34 games for United’s U-18’s, plus seven FA Youth Cup goals.

Manchester United linked with surprise bid for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain 

Manchester United are mulling over a surprise raid for Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain this summer to aid their midfield shortage, claim talkSPORT.

The 28-year-old is understood to be keen to leave Anfield this summer, following just nine starts in the Premier League last campaign.

Should Liverpool be prepared to accept a modest fee of around £10 million for the ex-Arsenal man, Manchester United would be seriously interested in bringing Oxlade-Chamberlain to Old Trafford in this window. 

Ajax winger Antony’s agents travel to Europe for talks with Red Devils

GOAL Brasil has detailed that the agents of Ajax winger Antony have travelled to Europe to commence talks over the 22-year-old potentially moving to Manchester United. 

The attacker has a good relationship with new Red Devils manager Erik Ten Hag, becoming a key player under his stewardship in the 2020/21 and 2021/22 seasons. 

Should Antony join Manchester United from Ajax, his first club Sao Paulo will be entitled to a portion of the fee, which is proposed to be around the £50 million mark.

Manchester United decline approach for Marcus Rashford

According to The Times, Manchester United have declined an approach from Tottenham to sign Marcus Rashford.

Despite Tottenham being on the lookout for attackers this summer, the 24-year-old is keen to stay at Old Trafford this summer and impress his new boss Erik Ten Hag after a disappointing 2021/22 campaign. 

He will join up with his teammates once pre-season begins for the Red Devils on June 27.

Red Devils interested in Leicester defender Wesley Fofana 

Manchester United and Chelsea are both ‘closely interested’ in Leicester man Wesley Fofana this summer, as the pair eye defensive reinforcements. 

RMC Sport report that Fofana has been on the radar of several big clubs even before his broken leg and ligament damage that ruled him out for the vast majority of 2021/22, with Manchester United and Chelsea being amongst the sides who have kept an eye on his progress. 

In spite of this, Fofana won’t come cheap to any potential suitors and could be a difficult deal to negotiate. Contractually, he recently signed an extension at the King Power Stadium until 2027, with RMC Sport stating that it would take a big-money offer of at least £68 million to tempt Brendan Rodgers into selling the 21-year-old.

Barcelona ‘seriously studying’ Manchester United offer for De Jong

Barcelona are said to be ‘seriously studying’ an initial offer from Manchester United for Frenkie De Jong, as reported by Marca. 

The offer is believed to be around £51 million up front, with another £17 million in variables as the Red Devils look to seal their first signing of the new campaign. 

The report also states that Barcelona urgently needs to cut down on their wage bill in order to guarantee them the flexibility to bring in new players this summer. De Jong is one of the highest earners at the club, signifying that his future could be away from the Camp Nou. 

Man United set to battle Chelsea for Ibrahim Sangare deal

Premier League duo Manchester Untied and Chelsea could go head-to-head in the race to sign PSV Eindhoven star Ibrahim Sangare.

Club sources have revealed to Sky Sports the Ivory Coast international wants to play Premier League football next season after an eye-catching end to the 2021/22 campaign.

Sangare is rumoured to have a €35m (£25.6m/$32.2m) release clause in place at the Philips Stadion but a bidding war could drive that up to €45m (£38.5m/$48.3m) in the coming weeks.

United ready to rival Spurs for Alessandro Bastoni

Ten Hag is preparing to strengthen his entire squad this summer with defensive reinforcements also a priority for the Dutchman.

According to reports from the Daily Mail, United’s interest in a new centre back could see them rival Tottenham for Inter Milan star Alessandro Bastoni.

Spurs boss Antonio Conte is rumoured to be edging closer to securing a reunion with the Italian international in north London but United are willing to match their £50m (€58.6m/$62.6m) offer as it stands.

Benfica hotshot Darwin Nunez tempted by United

The “pull” of United could prove “too great” for Darwin Nunez, who scored 34 times in 41 appearances last season as Benfica reached the quarterfinals of the Champions League.

Although Nunez wants to attempt another prolific run in the most prestigious club competition in Europe, a Portuguese contingent at United including Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes and Diego Dalot could sway the 22-year-old.

United and Liverpool are among the clubs to have met Nunez, but face competition from Atletico Madrid, according to Football Transfers, which also says Newcastle are keen, but aren’t “confident” of capturing the Uruguayan.

Nunez’s preferred destination is said to be the Premier League, and super agent Jorge Mendes will reportedly oversee any transfer before Eugenio Lopez, who used to represent Nicolas Otamendi, becomes Nunez’s likely official agent in the Premier League.

UPDATE (JUN 10): Despite Liverpool being at an advanced stage of negotiations with Nunez, reports from the Daily Express claim Manchester United could scupper the deal with a late move. That report is backed up by Portuguese football expert Pedro Sepulveda, who states ten Hag is flying to Faro for a meeting with Mendes, to try and turn the tables on Liverpool.

As per reports from transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Benfica have received a formal offer of €80m (£67.9m/$84.3m), plus add-ons, from Liverpool. With contract discussions ongoing on a five-year contract with additional clauses amounting to around €15m (£12.7m/$15.8m).

United target Calvin Ramsay set for Liverpool

United have reportedly joined the likes of Tottenham and Newcastle in showing an interest in 18-year-old right-back Calvin Ramsay, who made 33 appearances for Scottish side Aberdeen last season.

They now seem set to miss out to Liverpool, with Ramsay said to be keen to work with Reds boss Jurgen Klopp, who the Liverpool Echo says will sanction a fee of £4m plus add-ons for his services.

Chelsea to listen to offers for N’Golo Kante, Manchester United interested

Chelsea have signalled their intention to hear offers for midfielder N’Golo Kante, with Manchester United among the clubs considering a bid, according to Metro.

The Blues are said to have concerns over the French international’s injury record, as the Red Devils look to rebuild their team under new coach Erik ten Hag.

Nemanja Matic set to join Roma

It has already been confirmed that Nemanja Matic will be leaving Manchester United when his contract expires at the end of June and it appears that he could be linking up with his former manager Jose Mourinho again.

Gianluca Di Marzio reports that Matic is set to sign for Roma. 

Manchester United given boost in Christopher Nkunku approach

RB Leipzig’s Christopher Nkunku has been linked with a move to Manchester United and several other high-profile clubs this summer. The France international says that the interest in him is ‘flattering’.

Nkunku said: ‘It’s no secret. There are clubs interested in me. 

‘Yes it’s flattering, but it’s also flattering to have a club like Leipzig do everything to keep me as well.

‘I’ll have to reflect well and make a decision. The World Cup is on the way and that’s another factor to take into account.’

Manchester United ‘close to agreement’ for Frenkie de Jong

Manchester United are said to be ‘close to agreement’ on a fee for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, with a sum of around £68.7m believed to be enough to convince the cash-strapped Catalan giants to sell, as reported by Sport. 

The midfielder has been a key target of new manager Erik Ten Hag since his arrival at the club, whilst the two also worked together to a very successful degree at Ajax from 2017 to 2019. 

Money is not a problem for the Old Trafford side, as they try and convince the 25-year-old to move to the Premier League. De Jong is said to want to stay at Barcelona, however, has doubts about his immediate future at the Camp Nou due to their clear intent to sell him this summer to raise funds. 

Dean Henderson in talks over Old Trafford exit

Manchester Evening News has reported that Red Devils goalkeeper Dean Henderson remains in talks with Newcastle United over a summer exit from Old Trafford. 

The Whitehaven-born goalkeeper did not make a single Premier League appearance last campaign, sparking interest from Newcastle United over a potential move to the North East. 

Manchester United could receive up to £40 million for the 25-year-old if he is to be sold this window, which could come in handy for Erik Ten Hag as he looks to make additions to his squad ahead of the 2022/23 campaign. 

Potentially, a loan deal could also be on the table for Henderson to join Newcastle which is also something Manchester United would be open to accepting.

Manchester United ‘join’ Christian Eriksen transfer race

Christian Eriksen is reportedly a target for Manchester United this summer, as reported by the Daily Mirror.

Erik Ten Hag is said to have been blown away by his performances and desire in his second half of the season cameo at Brentford, following his sharp return to football after suffering a cardiac arrest at UEFA EURO 2020 last year. 

Of course, the new Red Devils manager has previous with the Denmark international, as Ten Hag let Eriksen train with Ajax to help build up his fitness in order to find a new club. 

Tottenham Hotspur and Everton are also in the hunt for the attacking midfielder, who would be available on a free transfer should he decide not to pen an extension at his current employers.

UPDATE (June 7): United were among at least 11 teams, scouting sheets from the game have shown, who were at Austria’s match at home to Denmark in the UEFA Nations League on Monday.

Eriksen had another excellent game as Denmark won 2-1 against former United boss Ralf Rangnick’s new team, hitting a post with a spectacular long-range shot during the second half.

The midfielder frequently changed position during the match to keep Austria guessing where his deliveries might arrive from, helping Denmark to make it two wins out of two following their victory in France in their opening game of the campaign.

West Ham, Tottenham, Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen are among the other clubs listed as sending representatives to the game, which almost didn’t happen because of a pre-match power failure.

Ten Hag ready to open ‘direct talks’ with Frenkie de Jong despite his transfer stance

Fabrizio Romano has reported that Manchester United want to open up direct talks with Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, as they believe there is a chance of signing the midfielder due to the Catalan giants’ financial situation. 

The former Ajax midfielder has been a key target for Erik ten Hag since he took the reins at Old Trafford, with the pair enjoying a positive relationship due to their time in the Netherlands together. 

Now, it looks as if United could step up their attempts to bring De Jong to the Premier League. Despite De Jong seemingly signalling his intent to stay at Barcelona, according to The Times, it looks as if the Red Devils are not yet ready to give up the chase. Indeed, Spanish publication Sport says next week will be key as United attempt to convince the player to move.

United ‘intensifying dialogue’ with Adrien Rabiot

Manchester Evening News via CalcioMercato claims that Manchester United are ‘intensifying dialogue’ with Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot over a potential move to Old Trafford. 

The 27-year-old is reportedly keen on a move to the Premier League should interest come his way, whilst it is said that the Old Lady would accept around £12.8 million for his signature.

Despite having no UEFA Champions League football at Old Trafford this coming season, Rabiot would consider the attractive project on offer at the Red Devils under new manager Erik Ten Hag. 

United scout Joao Gomes – and spot Andreas Pereira

United scouts appear to have had their heads turned by one of their own when they went to watch 21-year-old midfielder Joao Gomes play for Brazilian side Flamengo.

The analysts returned to inform bosses that Andreas Pereira, who has impressed during a loan spell with the club, was the best player on the pitch, according to ESPN.

That could mean part of Erik ten Hag’s midfield rebuild becomes an inside job, especially as the incoming manager worked with Pereira during his time at PSV Eindhoven.

The report says that Pereira’s prospects of saying at Flamengo have “all but collapsed”, with Ten Hag reportedly keen to watch him in pre-season.

Pereira, 26, has a year remaining on his contract after signing an extension to his Old Trafford deal in 2019.

Paulo Dybala ‘wants to know’ the Premier League

Departing Juventus forward Paulo Dybala has long been linked with United and was said to be a target for Ten Hag in April.

Inter Milan want Cristiano Ronaldo’s former strike partner following Juve’s announcement that they will be releasing him, so it is hard to know how to interpret his latest comments about his future.

“In Italy, I am very comfortable,” Dybala tells ESPN via MailOnline, which makes sense given that he’s been playing in the country for more than 10 years. But he also added: “I would still like to know other leagues like the Premier League, La Liga… but I’m happy in Italy.”

Arsenal are thought to be one of the clubs rivalling United for Dybala. “I am quite calm,” says the striker, who scored with an excellent finish in the Finalissima against Italy at Wembley on Wednesday. “The people who I work with are taking care.”

Marco Asensio ‘offered to United’

Real Madrid’s Marco Asensio is out of contract at the end of the 2022/23 season and has reportedly been offered to United by his agent, Jorde Mendes.

At 26, attacking midfielder or winger Asensio knows he is facing a crucial moment in his career, with a long-term contract at his next club likely to cover his peak years.

United could be attracted by his vast experience with Madrid – he has been at the club for nine years – and his successful previous partnership with defender Raphael Varane at the Bernabeu.

Asensio was generally used as a back-up by Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti in La Liga and the Champions League, remaining an unused substitute in their win in the final over Liverpool. Mendes is also Cristiano Ronaldo’s agent.

“Me and my family know that I have to keep growing and moving forward,” Asensio told Diario AS. “I want to achieve important things in football and they help me do that.

“Considering how this season went and what I experienced during my career, it’s true that I want more, I’m hungry for more. I would retire if it wasn’t like this – I have many more challenges to achieve.”

Asensio was named in Spain’s squad for their UEFA Nations League fixtures in June and was kept on the bench during their 1-1 draw at home to Portugal.

UPDATE (Jun 11): Sky Sport journalist Angelo Mangiante says talks between Asensio and United are “ongoing”.

Manchester United confirm Juan Mata departure

Following the confirmations of Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard’s exits yesterday, Manchester United have now announced that Juan Mata will also be leaving Old Trafford when his contract expires at the end of June.

Mata joined United from Chelsea in January 2014 and made 285 appearances, scoring 51 goals.

The Spaniard won the FA Cup, the League Cup and the Europa League during his time at United.

Manchester United confirm Paul Pogba exit

Manchester United have officially revealed record transfer Paul Pogba will leave the club on a free transfer this month.

The French international has not been offered an extension to his expiring contract at Old Trafford and the former £89m (€104.5/$112m) man will now move on.

Pogba returned to United in 2016, after leaving them for Juventus in 2012, after failing to force his way into Sir Alex Ferguson’s plans despite his rave reviews in the youth ranks.

His second spell with the Red Devils has been dogged by injury and inconsistency, with 154 Premier League appearances in six seasons, alongside an EFL Cup and Europa League double win in 2017.

UPDATE (Jun 4): According to Sky Sports News, Paul Pogba is mulling over offers from Juventus, PSG and Real Madrid as he ponders his next move as a free agent. Following his departure from Old Trafford, the midfielder has been enjoying a vacation in the United States where he will determine where his future lies ahead of the upcoming campaign. 

United hit with Frenkie de Jong setback

Manchester United have been dealt a major blow in their push for Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong as per reports from The Times.

Ten Hag is keen on reunion with his former Ajax schemer at Old Trafford next season with United rumoured to be open to breaking their wage structure to sign the 25-year-old.

However, despite Barcelona’s openness to a sale, the La Oranje star wants to stay at the Camp Nou and fight his way back into Xavi’s plans in 2022-23.

Paul Pogba edging closer to Serie A return

Paul Pogba’s free transfer exit from United is set to be formalised next month with the France star leaving Old Trafford after six seasons back at the club.

Despite the optimism of fulfilling his world-class potential on his Red Devils return in 2016, the 29-year-old’s second stint in Manchester has been a frustrating one.

Injuries and inconsistency have dogged him in the past 18 months with the incoming Ten Hag unlikely to be able to persuade him to sign a new deal, even if the club were to offer improved terms.

Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain were linked with a free transfer swoop for the midfielder but he looks set to return to Juventus ahead of the 2022/23 season.

UPDATE (May 31): Reports from the Gazzetta dello Sport claim Juventus will resign Pogba on a three-year deal, worth an estimated £10 million (€11.7m/$12.6m), with former United winger Angel Di Maria also a target following his release from PSG.

Paul Pogba Manchester United

UPDATE (June 2): Juventus are confident of re-signing Pogba on a three-year contract according to Sky Sports.

United boosted in Declan Rice battle

England international Declan Rice is rumoured to be United’s No.1 transfer target this summer as Ten Hag looks to remodel his midfield after Pogba’s exit.

Rice’s stock continued to rise in 2021/22 with a marathon 50-game campaign, as West Ham reached the Europa League semifinals.

However, the Hammers are bracing themselves for a summer of speculation over the 23-year-old, with United and Chelsea both in the hunt for Rice.

UPDATE (May 31): United will open talks with West Ham when Rice returns for pre-season next month, and according to reports from the Daily Express, Manchester City’s interest in Kalvin Phillips has ruled them out of the running for the Hammers man.

Ten Hag to raid Ajax for defensive star

Ten Hag’s arrival at Old Trafford looks set to trigger major changes within the squad ahead of the 2022/23 Premier League season.

Outgoing interim boss Ralf Rangnick claimed United needed “nine or 10” new players to turn the tide of mediocrity at the club and Ten Hag will assess his priorities for reinforcements.

Defence is likely to be a key area for attention, with United conceding 57 league goals last season, more than any other team in the European qualification spots.

UPDATE (May 31): Ten Hag is expected lean on his former club Ajax in the coming months with Netherlands international Jurrien Timber a potential target. The Guardian claims talks are already advance with the versatile defender and United will make a bid of £25m (€29.8m/$31.5m).

Man United Transfers: Summer 2022 transfer window

Players In:

Date Player Position Age Club Transfer/Loan Fee
           
           
           

Players Out:

Date Player Position Age Club Transfer/Loan Fee
Jul 1, 2022 Edinson Cavani FW 35 N/A Free Transfer
Jul 1, 2022 Nemanja Matic MF 33 N/A Free Transfer
Jul 1, 2022 Lee Grant GK 39 N/A Free Transfer

Man United squad 2021-22

Below is the updated Man United first-team squad. New additions during the summer 2022 window are noted in bold:

Goalkeepers (3): David de Gea, Tom Heaton, Dean Henderson

Defenders (9): Eric Bailly (CB), Diogo Dalot (RB), Phil Jones (CB), Victor Lindelof (CB), Harry Maguire (CB), Luke Shaw (LB), Alex Telles (LB), Raphael Varane (CB), Aaron Wan-Bissaka (RB).

Midfielders (6): Bruno Fernandes (CAM), Jesse Lingard (CAM), Fred (CM), Juan Mata (CAM), Scott McTominay (CM), Paul Pogba (CM).

Forwards (6): Edinson Cavani (CF), Anthony Elanga (LW), Mason Greenwood (CF)*, Marcus Rashford (LW), Cristiano Ronaldo (CF), Jadon Sancho (LW).

* = Mason Greenwood is indefinitely suspended after his arrest on suspicion of rape and assault, but remains on the Man United squad list

CB = centre back; LB = left back; RB = right back; CM = central midfielder; CAM = attacking midfielder; CF = centre forward; LW = left wing; RW = right wing

The current Man United projected first-choice starting lineup, when completely healthy, currently looks like:

Man United projected starting XI (4-2-3-1): de Gea (GK) — Shaw, Varane, Maguire, Dalot — McTominay/Fred, Pogba — Sancho, Fernandes, Elanga — Ronaldo.

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