Manchester United can seal a third signing this week before Friday's Premier League opener against Fulham if INEOS give up in their pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte. Erik ten Hag will add his third and fourth recruits of the summer to his squad in the coming days, just in time for the curtain-raiser at Old Trafford.
But United may not be done there as they reportedly eye midfield reinforcements on top of their defensive and attacking acquisitions.
Bayern Munich duo Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui reportedly completed their medicals at Carrington on Monday.
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United struck a £60million double deal with the Bundesliga giants last week, securing the latest two Ajax reunions of Ten Hag's reign.
De Ligt is set to join for an initial £39m - paid over three years - plus £4m in add-ons. Mazraoui's fixed fee is thought to be £13m, also including £4m in bonuses.
The pair join Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee and Lille centre-back Leny Yoro - who joined in July for £37m and £59m, respectively - as the new arrivals in INEOS' first transfer window at the helm of recruitment.
However, United are expected to be active in the midfield market before the August 30 transfer deadline amid concerning depth.
Kobbie Mainoo has established himself as a certain starter in Ten Hag's double pivot behind Bruno Fernandes, but his preferred partner remains a mystery.
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Casemiro started all five of United's pre-season games, and the Community Shield match against Manchester City, indicating he is set for a prominent role.
But if the 32-year-old struggles to improve his form after a torrid 2023/24 season, Scott McTominay, Christian Eriksen and Toby Collyer are the alternative options.
United have reportedly identified Ugarte as their priority midfield target but have, so far, refused to meet PSG's £51m asking price.
The Red Devils are thought to require another player sale to raise funds for Ugarte or look elsewhere. Burnley's Sander Berge is said to be high on the shortlist, as is Sofyan Amrabat.
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United opted against triggering a £21m clause to turn the Fiorentina star's loan permanent this summer, despite his impressive end to the campaign and crucial role in the FA Cup final triumph over City.
However, Amrabat is reportedly still keen to return to Old Trafford, and it's claimed that the Serie A side are ready to accept a bid as low as £10m to grant him his desired exit.
If United turned their attention towards Amrabat, the mutual willingness to complete a deal would make a rapid conclusion straightforward.
Amid outstanding interest in Victor Lindelof, Hannibal, McTominay and Facundo Pellistri, though, INEOS may be happy to trust Casemiro and bide their time a little longer.
