Ole Gunnar Solksjaer’s side may have finally secured one of their long-term targets in the form of Bundesliga star Jadon Sancho as well as creeping closer to a deal for an England star
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Manchester United’s impressive league season was soured by cup competition disappointment after they were beaten in the Europa League final by Unai Emery’s Villarreal in a remarkable penalty shoot-out that saw every outfield player on both side’s score.
The result ensured United’s four year trophy drought continued, while manager Ole Gunnar Solksjaer also waits for his first piece of silverware as the Red Devils boss.
As a result, it is likely United will aim to strengthen their playing staff in a bid to place pressure on local rivals Manchester City and end their recent dominance over the division, Pep Guardiola’s side winning three of the last four Premier League titles.
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Despite being the most successful side in the history of the competition, United have not won a Premier League since club legend Sir Alex Ferguson’s last season at the club, eight years ago.
Their second-placed finish last campaign will offer some form of optimism, with plenty of positives for the Old Trafford faithful to hold on to, including the fact Solskjaer’s side went the entirety of the 2020/21 league season unbeaten on their travels.
With that being said, here is Tuesday’s Manchester United transfer round up – including an update on the pursuit of Borussia Dortmund star Jadon Sancho.
Sancho expects to join Man Utd
Jadon Sancho has told teammates he believes he will be a Manchester United player next season, after nearly two years of constant speculation.
United have been in negotiations with the Bundesliga outfit and appear to have finally struck an agreement while Sancho is away on international duty at Euro 2020 with Gareth Southgate’s England side.
According to the Manchester Evening News, Sancho is expected to join Manchester United this summer and don the famous red strip next season.
A deal failed to materialise last season after United failed to meet the 21-year-old’s current wage of £190,000-per-week, as well as balking at Dortmund’s valuation of the star, asking for a fee north of £120m.
However, given the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic, Dortmund have significantly dropped their asking price and United are lining up a bid worth around £77m having already agreed personal terms.
Kieran Tripper close to Man Utd move
The former Burnley and Tottenham full-back has followed Sancho’s example and also told his England teammates he is anticipating a move to Manchester United this summer.
Reports from Football Insider state how Solksjaer see’s Trippier as a welcome addition to a defensive back-line that was in dire need of new additions.
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After just two seasons at newly-crowned La Liga champions Atletico Madrid, Trippier is rumoured to be desperate to return to the Premier League.
The 30-year-old has reportedly already begun house hunting in Manchester, an area he is familiar with given his days in the Man City academy set-up.
United have already had one bid for the full-back rejected, worth £10m according to the report, with Diego Simeone’s side expecting something nearer the £30m-mark.
Atletico paid £22m for Trippier from Tottenham two years ago and will be looking to make a profit on the defender, though it is unlikely United will pay such a fee given his age and how close he is to the end of his Atletico contract.
United face competition for Saul
If United are to secure the signature of the 26-year-old, they will have to fend off interest from fierce rivals Liverpool.
Last month, Spanish outlet El Gol Digital reported that United were preparing a huge £68.8m bid for the midfielder, but any potential deal could be hijacked by Jurgen Klopp’s side.
In the wake of Gini Wijnaldum’s departure, Liverpool are light in central midfield and see Saul as a great investment both for the present and the future, given the Spaniard is four years Wijnaldum’s junior.
Though the pair differ slightly in their best attributes, Klopp sees Saul as a potential terrier in midfield, winning every ball with an eye for a pass.
United are also crying out for a ball winner given the question marks surrounding whether either of Scott McTominay or Fred are of the standard required for where Solskjaer’s side want to be, but they could face missing out on Saul if they don’t act fast.
