Manchester United are playing catch-up in their transfer business this summer as they look to rebuild their squad after a disastrous Premier League season.
United finished eighth in the top flight, their worst performance since the Premier League began in 1992. It prompted a host of conversations about manager Erik ten Hag’s future as co-owners Ineos launched a review of the season.
That review dragged on for almost three weeks, with Ineos – led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe – speaking to and sounding out other managers, including Thomas Tuchel and Mauricio Pochettino, as it appeared Ten Hag would be axed, despite winning the FA Cup with a shock triumph over Man City.
Eventually, however, it was revealed that Ten Hag would stay as manager, and his contract extension until 2026 was triggered. It was a surprise show of faith in the Dutchman, and the club has now pushed on with plans to remodel the squad ahead of the new campaign.
READ MORE: £29m asking price, wild card and Malacia mystery – left-back verdict
READ MORE: Omar Berrada makes three Man United promises and transfer window vow
Ten Hag’s preference for Dutch players – and players who have played with him in the Eredivisie – looks set to continue, despite a new sporting model being implemented behind the scenes at Old Trafford, with Omar Berrada starting as chief executive, Dan Ashworth coming in as sporting director, and Jason Wilcox as football director. The United boss has already lined up deals in a £76million move for Dutch duo Joshua Zirkzee and Matthijs de Ligt, with Bologna and Bayern Munich respectively.
Now he is weighing up weighing up whether to continue his Oranje revolution at Manchester United with a loan move for Holland midfielder Xavi Simons. The Paris St-Germain star scored a stunning goal as Holland were knocked out of the Euros by England in the semi-finals and is demand from a number of clubs.
However, it is claimed that the long delay in confirming Ten Hag as United manager could have scuppered his hopes of landing Simons. United only contacted the French club and the player’s representatives once it was confirmed that Ten Hag was staying, allowing Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig to steal a march.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano claims: “They [United] are not leading the race because they joined quite late, as both Bayern and Leipzig have been there since April. Another club to ask about Simons was Newcastle, but again this was late, just a few days ago, so this is why Bayern and Leipzig remain the two favourites.”
Simons, valued at around £45million to £50m, could be available on loan this summer. The attacking midfielder spent last season at Leipzig after PSG decided to loan him out as he struggled to get in the French champions’ plans.
Simons spent last season on loan at RB Leipzig after rejoining PSG in a £5million deal from PSV Eindhoven in 2023.
The 21-year-old had rejoined PSG from PSV Eindhoven for £5m in 2023. He can operate as a No.10 or on either flank and Ten Hag sees him as someone who could potentially replace Bruno Fernandes if the United captain decides to move on. PSG are prepared to let him go out on loan again – but only with an obligation to buy, a deal structure that would suit Old Trafford.
The United boss spoke glowingly about Simons after their defeat at the hands of England. He said: “I enjoyed Xavi in that game – the drive he has, the passion with which he conquers balls and recognises situations are top.
“His huge drive is almost un-Dutch. You can see that he was trained abroad. He has a southern European doggedness.”