Manchester United host their first pre-season friendly in 19 days’ time and will be back at Carrington before then.
Erik ten Hag is perhaps making up for lost time in his planning for the new season after Ineos waited nearly three weeks to tell him he would continue in his role following a lengthy end-of-season review.
He will be sourcing potential recruits with the club after a new central defender, midfielder and striker. Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his Ineos inner circle are expected to be ruthless with a sales cull this summer amid United’s delicate stance within Premier League spending constraints.
READ MORE: United to assess four players’ futures after transfer window closes
READ MORE: A rejected bid and deadline day deal – how United created the ‘United tax’
Mason Greenwood is one of a few expected to be sold this summer but an exit might not come before pre-season begins while United have now been linked with interest in a Uruguayan defensive midfielder.
United ‘preparing’ for Greenwood return
A report from the Mirror claims United are preparing for the possibility of reintegrating Greenwood back into the squad for pre-season if he is not sold within the next fortnight. The attacker is reportedly being priced at £40m but United are yet to receive such a bid. The article says Lazio have come forward with a £30m offer.
Greenwood has not played for United since January 2022 after being arrested under charges of attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily, allegations which were dropped in February 2023. Greenwood has always denied the allegations.
MEN Sport says: The Manchester Evening News understands that Juventus and Napoli have registered an interest in Greenwood, who spent last season on loan at Getafe. The Spanish club have outlined their hope of retaining the attacker next season.
Greenwood has just 12 months remaining on his deal at United. Borussia Dortmund have meanwhile held discussions over a potential move for the 22-year-old.
Ugarte agent stance on exit
United have been linked with Paris Saint-Germain midfield pivot Manuel Ugarte, currently away with Uruguay at the Copa America. He had been linked with a switch to Liverpool, which prompted his agent, Jorge Chijane, to speak out last month.
On the topic of a possible summer exit, he told O Jogo. He said: “Liverpool? There is a lot of talk, but it is not the only club, there are others.
“There is much talk, but I am still not sure about the club. There are many possibilities on the table. It’s almost certain that he won’t stay, it’s sure he’ll leave. I believe the situation will be resolved.”
MEN Sport says: If United do wish to jump for Ugarte, it seems he will be available. Erik ten Hag does need a new pivot with Casemiro widely expected to leave this summer.
At 23, Ugarte would offer longevity albeit there would be questions over his ability to hack Premier League football. He started five Champions League group stage matches but failed to again en route to the semi-final, where he was benched for both legs – which tells its own story.