Sports Mole looks at three signings that Manchester United could make before the Community Shield against Manchester City.
Joshua Zirkzee became the first signing of the INEOS era at Manchester United earlier this month, and he was followed to Old Trafford by Leny Yoro.
The Red Devils will bring in more players before the transfer window closes, though, as the club look to put together a squad capable of challenging on all fronts next season.
With that in mind, Sports Mole looks at three signings that the 20-time English champions could potentially make before they tackle Manchester City in the Community Shield on August 10.
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Man United have emerged as the favourites for Mazraoui, with the Morocco international’s proposed switch to West Ham United breaking down at the final moment.
Ironically, Man United might now sell Aaron Wan-Bissaka to West Ham to make room for Mazraoui, who could arrive to provide competition for Diogo Dalot at right-back next term.
Mazraoui’s arrival would also free up Dalot to be used as a left-back if the Red Devils continue to have problems in that area of the field next season, with much depending on Luke Shaw‘s fitness.
Erik ten Hag‘s side could pay around €15.5m (£13.1m) plus a further €4m (£3.4m) in add-ons for the 26-year-old, and it is possible that a deal could be closed quickly if Wan-Bissaka departs.
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Man United have already signed Yoro this summer to boost their centre-back options, but there is some concern surrounding the ankle problem that forced him off in the first half of Saturday’s friendly with Arsenal.
If it is revealed that Yoro is facing a period on the sidelines, then the Red Devils could accelerate their attempts to bring in another centre-back, and De Ligt is thought to be their leading target.
It is understood that Man United were very advanced on a deal for De Ligt, with personal terms already being agreed, before they switched their attention to Yoro.
The Red Devils need to move a centre-back on to bring in another, with Victor Lindelof the most likely to depart, and like with Mazraoui, it is possible that a deal for De Ligt could be closed quickly.
That said, Man United are not thought to be willing to meet Bayern’s €49m (£42m) asking price.
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Man United remain determined to sign a central midfielder this summer, and Ugarte is still believed to be their leading target despite difficult negotiations with PSG.
The situation could become easier for the Red Devils, though, as the French champions are said to be closing in on a move for Benfica’s Joao Neves, potentially as a replacement for Ugarte.
Ten Hag’s side will not pay €70m (£59.2m) for the Uruguay international, which is allegedly the figure that Luis Enrique‘s side have been demanding, but a compromise is expected to be reached.
The 23-year-old is said to be excited by the project at Old Trafford, and there is a chance that this signature could be secured by the time that Man United take to the field for the Community Shield.
Ugarte’s arrival would likely open the door for Christian Eriksen to leave the Red Devils.