Manchester United prepare to step up their attempts to sign another centre-back and a striker following news of a double injury blow, according to a report.
Manchester United are reportedly preparing to step up their attempts to sign another centre-back and a striker following news of a double injury blow.
Leny Yoro, who arrived at Old Trafford from Lille last month, is facing three months on the sidelines due to the fractured metatarsal that he suffered against Arsenal on Saturday.
Meanwhile, the club’s number one centre-forward, Rasmus Hojlund, is set to be missing for the next six weeks after picking up a hamstring problem in the same match.
Man United had always been open to moving for another centre-back and forward this summer despite bringing in Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee.
However, according to The Telegraph, their plans could now be accelerated, with the club ‘under increased pressure’ to address the injury problems.
© Reuters
Which centre-back could Man United sign?
Man United are believed to have agreed personal terms with Bayern Munich centre-back Matthijs de Ligt earlier this summer, with a move believed to have been close before the Red Devils switched their attention to Yoro.
De Ligt is believed to be holding out for a move to Old Trafford, and the Netherlands international would be the most realistic target at this stage of proceedings.
Bayern are believed to want around £42m for De Ligt, so the Dutchman would represent a cheaper option than Everton‘s Jarrad Branthwaite.
The Red Devils are huge admirers of Branthwaite, but it is understood that Everton are holding firm on their £70m valuation, with no movement expected despite the club’s takeover problems.
![England's Ivan Toney pictured during the warm-up on June 25, 2024 [IMAGO]](https://sm.imgix.net/24/26/ivan-toney.jpg?w=640&h=480&auto=compress,format&fit=clip "England's Ivan Toney pictured during the warm-up on June 25, 2024 [IMAGO]")
© Imago
Which centre-forward could Man United sign?
Ivan Toney‘s future remains the subject of much speculation, with the England international widely expected to leave Brentford before the transfer window closes.
The 28-year-old has proven himself in the Premier League, scoring 36 times for the Bees at that level, including 20 during the 2022-23 campaign.
Man United are on the verge of confirming a deal for 16-year-old Chido Obi-Martin, with the forward leaving Arsenal, and he is expected to be given opportunities in the new season.
Ethan Wheatley, 18, could also be involved next term, but the Red Devils are lacking experience in the final third of the field.
Man United will round off their pre-season tour of the United States with a clash against Liverpool on Saturday evening before facing Manchester City in the Community Shield on August 10.