Manchester United’s transfer plans have been through the wringer this summer. Going into the two-month trading window, there was a feeling that signing a striker was high on their list of priorities.
This seemed to change, however, when top target Darwin Nunez ended up joining Liverpool in a big-money move. Instead, all focus was laid on signing a midfielder, with Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong the prime target. Christian Eriksen, the former Tottenham and Inter Milan star, has also been linked.
Signing a striker seemed unlikely just a couple of weeks ago but Cristiano Ronaldo’s sudden wish to leave the club has triggered United into scanning the market for a forward.
RB Leipzig forward Brian Brobbey, who knows Erik ten Hag well after their time together at Ajax, is one of the players to be linked in recent days.
Read more: Man Utd closing in on second transfer of the summer
Former Juventus star Paulo Dybala was close to joining United three years ago but a move didn’t materalise. Now, it has been reported that United have been approached over a deal to sign him once again.
Dybala is a free agent after leaving Juventus last month and the Argentina international is yet to commit his future to a new club, sparking links to United.
According to ESPN, United have been approached about the possibility of resurrecting their interest in the 28-year-old. He looked set to join Juventus’ bitter rivals Inter Milan but the Nerazzurri’s interest is thought to have cooled and Dybala’s agents are now gauging interest from the Premier League.
Furthermore, any interest in Dybala is not said to impact their stance on Ronaldo. Earlier on Saturday, it was claimed that although United are publicly insisting that the 37-year-old is not for sale, that position is not as steadfast privately.
SN’s verdict…
United are unlikely to make the same mistake they did in their 2019 pursuit of Dybala. The Argentinian’s astronomical wage demands caught them by surprise at the 11th hour and a move was abandoned.
It’s nearly mid-July and Dybala is yet to sign for a new club, despite confirming he would be leaving Juventus in May. Some would interpret that as a red flag. At 28, his next contract is likely to be his last ‘big’ deal from a financial viewpoint.
Should Ronaldo leave, signing a replacement is paramount but ultimately, a decision will fall on Ten Hag.