Manchester United's summer transfer season is heating up with the club making ultimate last-minute signings to strengthen Erik ten Hag's team. From midfield overhauls to high-profile exits, the latest Manchester United transfer news has some groundbreaking updates on Carlos Baleba, Morten Hjulmand, Jadon Sancho, David de Gea, and Kobbie Mainoo.
Manchester United End Pursuit of Baleba, Turn to Hjulmand
United reportedly pulled out of the race to sign Carlos Baleba when Brighton & Hove Albion made the midfielder not for sale. The Red Devils have instead targeted Morten Hjulmand, the brilliant midfielder at Sporting CP.
According to The Sun, Sporting are open to listening, leaving Hjulmand as one of United's most realistic signings this summer. His defensive skill and leadership are what United's midfield lineup lacks.
Sancho Set for Roma Exit
Among the biggest news headlines today in Manchester United transfer news is the potential exit of Jadon Sancho. There are ongoing negotiations between Manchester United and AS Roma, with the winger likely to leave after failing to make his role at Manchester United permanent under Ten Hag.
Reports from Football365 are that Sancho is getting near a transfer, although personal terms remain the problem. Roma would be delighted to sign him for less money than United paid when they signed him back in 2021 at £73m.
Fabrizio Romano: "Exit Blitz" Due at Old Trafford
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has hinted that Manchester United are preparing a string of player sales before the window closes. It's all part of a strategy to balance their books after going big earlier in the summer.
Romano reported exclusively through United in Focus that a major United sale is "way more advanced" than many people think. Fans ought to get ready for shocking departures.
David de Gea Linked With Shock Return
In a dramatic twist, David de Gea is set to be in line for a high-risk return to Old Trafford. The former United No.1, who left the club back in 2023, is reported to be on the shortlist as an insurance option if United fail to sign another goalkeeper.
As told by The Sun (Ireland), De Gea's return is based on affordability, but it has been discussed internally at Carrington.
Kobbie Mainoo at a Crossroads
The other big talking point is the future of Kobbie Mainoo. The once "new Zidane" at 20 years old now finds himself on the outside looking in from Erik ten Hag's squad.
Mainoo's United career is on the line unless he becomes a regular starter or agrees on a mooted loan transfer, the Guardian (The Guardian) says.
| Player | Update |
|---|---|
| Carlos Baleba | Off the table – Brighton won't sell. |
| Morten Hjulmand | United's number one new target in midfield. |
| Jadon Sancho | Talks with AS Roma are on-going. |
| David de Gea | Old Trafford return in consideration. |
| Kobbie Mainoo | Career defining moment amidst scarcity of game time. |
Last Thoughts
Manchester United are clearly at a transfer window critical phase. The Red Devils are still searching for the ideal midfield recruit after they missed out on signing Baleba, with Hjulmand now being the target to beat. While Sancho's Roma move is all but done, De Gea's possible return is an emotional twist that the window has picked up.
With Fabrizio Romano making a sale hint and Mainoo's future hanging, United supporters can expect a bizarre end to the summer transfer window.
For more live transfer news, see The Independent's transfer news live blog.
