Also Read: Manchester United News and Rumours: July 23, 2019
#5 Solskjaer wants Harry Maguire deal completed immediately
We start today’s segment with more updates in the Maguire saga. Manchester United had been firmly in the trails of Leicester City centerback Harry Maguire for the past couple of weeks. Despite United conceding just 1 goal in four pre-season games so far, a centerback remains a priority for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer this summer. The Norwegian is desperate to avoid a repeat of last year’s horror show at the back and has identified Maguire as the ideal candidate to mend his back line. However, Leicester City’s valuation of the player has temporarily put a move on hold.
The Foxes are adamant that the player will only be allowed to leave if a world record fee for a defender, in the region of £80m, was placed. Manchester United had offered to pay £70m for the Englishman, but it was blatantly rejected. Since then though, the trail had gone cold and United had not returned with an improved bid. However, recent updates will most definitely excite United fans.
Solskjaer has reportedly asked Ed Woodward to secure the services of Harry Maguire as soon as possible. The Norwegian is not ready to wait any longer and risk missing the Englishman altogether, with the transfer deadline day a little over 10 days away now. The United executive vice-chairman had not traveled with the club in pre-season, apparently staying back to negotiate deals for shortlisted candidates. And now, he has been tasked with completing the Harry Maguire transfer at the earliest and perhaps a reason for that is the recent injury to Eric Bailly.
The Ivorian was perhaps the strongest contender to partner Victor Lindelof in the heart of the defense, in the event that the Maguire deal did not materialize. However, Bailly picked up an injury in his troublesome knee within 10 minutes of coming on against Tottenham. The situation was so severe that he had to be stretched off the field. And there’s reason to believe that Bailly’s injury was the last straw for Solskjaer. The Norwegian might not be prepared to start the new season without defensive reinforcement and as such, Woodward has been asked to accelerate the deal.
The big question is, are United ready to make Maguire the costliest defender in the world this summer?
#4 United to target Moussa Dembele if Lukaku leaves
Romelu Lukaku travelled with the United squad for their pre-season tour in midst of numerous speculations of his impending departure but did not play a minute’s football. The Belgian had failed to impress Solskjaer last season and has been linked with a move away since the start of the summer. Inter Milan is his preferred destination, with a deal between the two clubs the only constraint in that move. Even though Inter have failed to meet the valuation of the player so far, it seems United have already found his replacement.
Sky Sports reports that Manchester United will target Lyon striker Moussa Dembele as a replacement for Lukaku should he make the move this summer. The 23 year old is just the kind of player that Solskjaer wants in his team, with his speed and technical nous certainly an upgrade from Lukaku. The Belgian is a fantastic goalscorer, but lacks the agility that Solskjaer wants in his No. 9, which has been his doom at Old Trafford.
#3 Sam Allardyce compares Harry Maguire to van Dijk
In an interview to Talksport, Sam Allardyce has likened United target Harry Maguire to Liverpool ace Virgil van Dijk. The former England manager has even claimed that Maguire could rise to the level of the Dutchman if the move to Old Trafford materializes.
Allardyce also went on to say that the English defender could cost United a lot of money, given the fact that Leicester City have the upper hand in negotiations.
#2 United might not sign Bruno Fernandes this summer
Manchester United’s summer business is far from over, even though things have been a little quiet since the arrival of Aaron Wan-Bissaka. However, Solskjaer has himself stated that United are working on a couple of transfer, and there is a requirement of another midfielder in the squad. Sporting Lisbon’s Bruno Fernandes had apparently been shortlisted by the Norwegian and there were rumours floating that United were preparing a bid for the Portuguese midfielder.
However, according to latest reports, it is highly unlikely that Bruno Fernandes will join United this summer. Most of the speculations regarding his move has apparently been created in Portugal. Manchester United do have a genuine interest in him, but the Portuguese is not a priority for the Red Devils.
Fernandes scored a goal and made the headlines with a fine display in the 2-2 draw against Liverpool in pre-season. He even caught Jurgen Klopp’s attention, who revealed that he would not be pleased if the Portuguese joined United.
#1 Harry’s Maguire’s former manager tips him to succeed at United
Malky Mackay, who managed Harry Maguire during his time at Wigan, has claimed in a chat with Sky Sports that Maguire has all the ingredients to succeed at Old Trafford. Mackay said it was a testament to the Englishman’s abilities and development in the past couple of years that both United and City are vying for his signature.
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