Journalist provides update on six Man Utd targets ahead of the transfer deadline

Joe Williams
Man Utd target Fremkie de Jong looks dejected

The Athletic journalist Laurie Whitwell has provided an update on six Man Utd targets heading into the final week of the transfer window.

Man Utd have so far struggled to get all of their key targets over the line with Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen, Lisandro Martinez and Casemiro the additions so far.

Their transfer business has been under particular scrutiny this summer after finishing last season in a poor sixth position and appointing Erik ten hag as their new manager.


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Man Utd have been accused of being reactive in the transfer market with their pursuit of Bologna striker Marko Arnautovic leading to a massive backlash from the fanbase.

Frenkie de Jong was understood to be their main midfield target this summer before they moved on to Juventus’ Adrien Rabiot – who they couldn’t seal a deal for –  and finally settling on Real Madrid’s Casemiro.

There have been rumours that De Jong could still be on their radar ahead of the September 1 deadline but The Athletic‘s Whitwell has insisted Man Utd are no longer interested in pursuing the Dutchman this summer.

Whitwell claims: ‘Frenkie de Jong set pulses racing by liking an Instagram post about Casemiro’s arrival, but that pursuit is considered done. The Brazilian is seen as De Jong’s alternative, especially given the cost.’

Man Utd are still looking for a back-up goalkeeper to push David de Gea this season and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Kevin Trapp is ‘among the names being considered as deputy.’

Ten Hag could bring in as many as two attacking players if Cristiano Ronaldo gets his wish to leave the club and Ajax winger Antony and his agents are ‘pushing for the move’.

Man Utd have already made an offer worth €80m for the Brazilian but Ajax are holding out for as much as €100m with a compromise of €94m suggested.

As reported elsewhere, PSV Eindhoven winger Cody Gakpo is presented as ‘an alternative’ and Man Utd ‘will get one or the other, but some ambitiously feel they may have a chance to sign both.’

Chelsea winger Christian Pulisic is described as ‘a loan option’ for the Red Devils while Atletico Madrid striker Alvaro Morata has been ‘deemed too expensive’.

Man Utd ‘might sign a right-back’ if Aaron Wan-Bissaka leaves the club this summer but, with Crystal Palace not willing to get near United’s valution, his future is still up in the air.