The 2023 summer transfer window has opened and Manchester United are going to need to be active with both incomings and departures over the next months.Erik ten Hag’s side are in need of additions in several areas of the team so they can improve upon their third place finish in the Premier League last season.But, on the other hand, several reports have claimed that United must sell to buy this transfer window. There are also multiple players who are now surplus to requirements under the Dutch manager.
Whilst you would imagine that United will be active until the final weeks of the window, there are certain deals that they should be focusing on right now.In the form of departures, The Reds have solid interest in several players and should be looking to move them on sooner rather than later.Anthony Elanga is one player who does not have a shortage of interest. There are more than 10 clubs after his signature and RB Leipzig midfielder Emil Forsberg has even revealed that he will speak to the German club’s president about the Swedish winger.United should be commanding a solid fee for the academy graduate despite recent reports about a £10 million price tag; they should be able to receive at least double that for the 21-year-old.
Secondly, Harry Maguire must be set to exit Old Trafford. The club captain is no longer first choice and should be looking to cut his losses and earn regular football elsewhere.United will obviously not get a return on the £80 million fee that they paid Leicester City for the centre-back three years ago, but they can still demand a solid amount for the 30-year-old; something in the region of £40 million would seem reasonable.There are several clubs in the Premier League who have Maguire on their lists, such as Newcastle, Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur. However, reports do suggest that his preference to stay at United as well as his wages provide issues.
United should be looking to make their intentions clear to the player so that they are not wasting time late in the window – or keeping him for another season, where his value will likely drop further.
And lastly on the departure side in these opening weeks, United should be aiming to offload midfielder Scott McTominay. The academy graduate should be able to commend a respectable fee in the range of £30-40 million.Newcastle remain the team that have the most interest in the Scotland international. Everton have also reportedly emerged as a potential suitor.
On the other hand, United should be looking to get deals done for additions ahead of their busy summer schedule which sees them play seven pre-season fixtures.Rasmus Hojlund is one name that United should be able to add without major issues. The Atalanta forward has previously revealed that he is a fan of the club and his most recent comments on the rumours failed to suggest that he is not keen on the move.
Various reports have placed his value at around £40 million and United should have little issues in negotiating personal terms with the 20-year-old, who seems to be interested in a transfer to Old Trafford.Meanwhile, Kim-Min jae would be an astute addition at the centre of defence, adding extra quality alongside Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelöf.The Napoli defender is well linked to The Reds and has a release clause of around £50 million which is triggered at the beginning of July. United should be looking to strike as soon as possible and have personal terms all but agreed moving into next month.
Finally, the deal for Mason Mount should be progressing in the next weeks and with Chelsea in need of sales for both financial and squad reasons. Despite the West London club reportedly commanding an £80 million package currently, the cards are in United’s hands with Mount’s preference to join United over other clubs known.
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