“The young lad is good but he’s not mature enough for our club. We need to bring in a more seasoned Center Forward” – Manchester United legend Roy Keane has reportedly suggested a remarkable transfer swap involving Rasmus Hojlund to the board, as he suggests a “monster” that is valued at £45 million.
Here are the latest updates and opinions on Manchester United, as covered by MEN Sport, highlighting some of the most recent stories circulating around Old Trafford.
The transfer window is heating up with numerous deals finalized over the weekend and at the beginning of the week.
Manchester United has been linked with several players as Erik ten Hag aims to strengthen his squad for the new season. The club has confirmed the appointment of former Newcastle United figure Dan Ashworth as technical director.
This appointment is part of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s overhaul following his purchase of a minority stake last year. Changes to Ten Hag’s backroom staff also seem imminent, with the expected additions of Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake.
As the transfer window becomes busier, so do the reports surrounding United’s potential business. With this in mind, MEN Sport has reviewed some of the biggest stories and provided their insights.
**Matthijs de Ligt price revealed**
Bayern Munich has set an asking price of €50 million (£42.5m) plus bonuses for Matthijs de Ligt amid United’s interest, according to Sky Sports Germany.
United has been heavily linked with the defender recently and is reported to have contacted both the player and Bayern. However, there has been no official offer from the club yet.
De Ligt has previously worked with Erik ten Hag at Ajax and is considered one of the top targets for United this window.
MEN Sport says: Matthijs de Ligt has been linked with United throughout the summer, and it seems the club is now taking action.
Erik ten Hag wants to enhance his defensive options following Raphael Varane’s departure, and De Ligt, being someone he knows well, is a prime candidate.
Bayern’s openness to a sale is encouraging, and the £42.5 million asking price is significantly less than what United would need to pay for Everton’s Jarred Branthwaite.
Whether United will pursue both deals is uncertain, but De Ligt would be a strong alternative.
**Shock swap deal for Osimhen**
Manchester United has reportedly proposed a surprising swap deal, offering Rasmus Hojlund to Napoli as part of a move for Victor Osimhen, according to Italian reports.
La Repubblica claims United is willing to include the Danish international in a deal to sign Osimhen, who has a release clause of around £110 million.
Napoli manager Antonio Conte admitted last week that the club had an agreement to let Osimhen go if the right offer comes in. This isn’t the first time United has shown interest, having been linked with Osimhen last summer.
MEN Sport says: The idea that United would include Hojlund in a deal doesn’t make much sense. While Osimhen is an excellent player and would be a significant signing for United, sacrificing one of their main stars to complete the transfer seems unlikely.
United wants to sign another striker this summer to provide support and competition for Hojlund, not to replace him. Given that they spent £72 million on Hojlund just a year ago, this move appears improbable.
