Redigerettirs 9. jul 2024
Whitwell
Despite progress in negotiations for Zirkzee, the 23-year-old might not be the only addition United make to their front line this summer.
With Zirkzee capable of playing as a wide forward as well as a striker — in a similar vein to the outgoing Anthony Martial — there remains scope for United to sign a recognised No 9 to provide support for Rasmus Hojlund.
Club finances mean major sales would need to take place to add another forward, but the prospect has not been totally ruled out given United scored only 58 and 57 Premier League goals in Ten Hag’s two campaigns.
Internally, talks have taken place about Ivan Toney and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who each have one year remaining on their contracts. Both have indicated they will not be signing fresh terms at their clubs and are looking to move.
Brentford are thought to want £60m for Toney, 28, but some believe they might accept a figure closer to £40m. Everton’s financial situation means they are open to selling Calvert-Lewin, 27, this summer rather than risk him leaving for free in 2025. A deal around the £30m mark is viewed as plausible.
Calvert-Lewin’s injury record is a consideration, but United figures have noted he featured in 38 games last season, playing 18 more minutes than Hojlund in the Premier League overall, and scored seven goals.
United are also looking for a left-sided defender who could provide cover for Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw given their injury issues last season, with Tyrell Malacia still working his way back to fitness, too.
Feyenoord’s David Hancko, 26, who can operate at centre-back or full-back, has been considered, but he may prove too expensive for someone likely to be a squad player.
As well as up front and at centre-back, United would ideally like to strengthen in central midfield and are considering Paris Saint-Germain’s Manuel Ugarte, but loan options are also being seriously contemplated.
Det er nyt for mig at Zirkzee også kan spille en venstrekant, men han ser jo ud til at være en god dribler selvom farten måske ikke helt er der. Det virker som om det mere er overvejelser end det er noget konkret med de spillere der nævnes her, men lyder godt nok usandsynligt at man skulle hente endnu en angriber selvom £40m for Toney vel er ret spiseligt. At han koster det samme som Zirkzee indikerer vel også at man virkelig tror på Zirkzee og havde ham som sit førstevalg for Toney var vel på papiret et mere oplagt valg. Toney har i hvert fald den her lidt excentriske personlighed jeg forbinder med en United angriber.
David Hancko har jeg indrømmet aldrig hørt om, og selvom hans nationalitet nok får nogle røde lamper til at blinke for United fans så lyder en venstrebenet spiller der både kan spille back og CB som et perfekt alternativ til Branthwaite som jeg stadig tror er en del af en større offentlig strategi end man egentlig tror han er realistisk. Jeg tror ikke United anser ham for meget mere værd end det seneste bud, så vi får nok et tredje og sidste bud som er det maksimale man vil give på 50+5 eller 50+10. Afvises det så må man gå ud fra at klubben har gjort hvad de kunne og så vil trække sig med et par leaks til følge om at man ikke har i sinde at overbetale længere. Man kan så argumentere for at det allerede er at overbetale men vi må jo håbe at de har aftalt en makspris og overholder den.
Manchester United
Brøndby IF