August 10 was a happy day for Manchester United as not only was the team a credit to itself despite the loss in the Community Shield final, but there was finally a breakthrough in the transfer market.
The double deal for Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui was finally agreed after dragging negotiations for a while.
It means United have now signed four players in the market and their starting XI on the first matchday of the Premier League could look very different.
- READ MORE: Premier League 24/25: Man Utd Fixtures, Start Date, Schedule, International Breaks & More
But there are still some gaping holes in the squad and the club is well aware of it if Fabrizio Romano’s latest update is any indication.
So far, two centre-backs, a utility fullback who can cover both sides and a striker have been signed which were all necessary to various extents.
United have operated with a clear plan in the window, seeking to plug holes in the squad with clinical signings on favourable terms.
The same is set to continue, as Fabrizio Romano has revealed that United have already moved on to the next priority on their list after securing the double swoop for the Bayern pair.
On his Here We Go podcast, Romano updated that the next position they are zeroing in on is defensive midfield, where Paris Saint-Germain threw a wrench in their plans with their stance on Manuel Ugarte.
Romano said the Uruguayan remains the “absolute No. 1 target” but a deal can only be done if PSG budge from their asking price or United manage to raise funds by selling.
If that doesn’t happen, United have already started contacts with multiple backup options, with agents of Sander Berge and Sofyan Amrabat contacted.
Sander Berge’s style of play is not similar to Ugarte but he has his own strengths in the middle of the park, while Amrabat is a tried and tested quantity after his loan spell.
Both will be far cheaper than Ugarte, although Burnley’s asking price for Berge might raise some eyebrows.
Five is the ideal number
It feels like whoever United sign next will be the last of the window, and five new players, all filling crucial gaps in the squad will be quite a haul for Ineos in their first window.
Especially considering the restrictions they were operating under with PSR and FFP makes it an unqualified success if they end the window with a new midfielder as well.
Many fans would argue that it’s the position that should have been the first one filled but in this case, it was a case of opportunities aligning with priorities.
Centre-back and striker were arguably as big a priority as defensive midfield, it’s just that the progress on those two fronts was far quicker due to factors beyond United’s control.
Nevertheless, United’s planning should ensure that even if they take the chase for Ugarte to the dying embers of the window, they are ready for an eventual pivot to make sure a new midfielder comes through the door regardless.
Related Topics
