Manchester United’s next two transfer priorities are set to become clear once they have secured the signature of Noussair Mazraoui.
The Red Devils are in the heart of a major rebuild, with Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee arriving to inject some fresh legs into Erik ten Hag’s squad. Further arrivals are anticipated too, with negotiations ongoing with Bayern Munich for Mazraoui.
The Morocco international is keen to join United after his move to West Ham fell through. Mazraoui will provide an alternative option in right-back heading into next season, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka shown the door as a result.
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United will be keen to build on their momentum in the market once the former Ajax defender arrives, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe hoping to continue overhauling his ranks and offloading several stars to fund his spending spree.
The Red Devils will turn their attention to bolstering their central ranks once Mazraoui arrives, with finding a defensive-minded partner for Kobbie Mainoo viewed as a priority at the Theatre of Dreams.
Paris Saint-Germain’s Manuel Ugarte has been shortlisted as United’s top target in that department, with reports claiming that talks have been held over the Uruguay international. The midfielder is open to joining the Red Devils after falling out of favour at the Parc des Princes, though it remains to be seen whether an agreement can be reached.
Despite acquiring the services of Yoro recently, further investment is anticipated in central defence as well. United are hoping to replace Victor Lindelof and improve their options across the backline.
Talks have been held with Bayern over Matthijs de Ligt after he was identified as an attainable option. The Netherlands international has worked with Ten Hag previously at Ajax, and he would be keen to reunite with his former boss if the opportunity arose.
Bayern are willing to sell De Ligt if their £42million valuation is met, though it remains to be seen whether Ratcliffe and co believe that the 24-year-old justifies the outlay given that he is likely to head into next season at the Allianz Arena as a rotational option.
United pushed to strike a deal for Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite earlier in the window, having two bids rejected for the Englishman before turning their attention to alternative targets.
