De Ligt signs, £40m Ugarte deal, Branthwaite call – Man United’s next transfer after Leny Yoro done deal
Manchester United have successfully negotiated a deal to acquire Leny Yoro from Lille. The club had their offer accepted last week, and the 18-year-old has chosen to join United despite strong interest from Real Madrid.
The transfer fee for Yoro is anticipated to rise to approximately €70 million (£58.7 million). Yoro, who earned a spot in the Ligue 1 Team of the Year after an impressive season, will be United’s second signing of the summer, following the £36.5 million acquisition of Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna.
This brings United’s total spending for the summer to £95.2 million, with additional signings expected as the club aims to offload several players. Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Casemiro, Mason Mount, and Harry Maguire are among those rumored to be on the move, as United looks to generate funds.
But who else should United target this summer? Writers from the Manchester Evening News share their thoughts on potential signings for the Red Devils.
**Tyrone Marshall**
At the outset of this transfer window, United prioritized signing a center-back and a striker. Securing both before the team’s pre-season tour would mark an excellent start. However, further sales are needed to increase the budget, and the departures will likely influence the next arrivals.
United will probably need to sell another central defender, with Victor Lindelof being a likely candidate. Midfielders like Casemiro could also leave, with Scott McTominay attracting bids. Another experienced center-back, such as Matthijs de Ligt, would be ideal. The situation with Casemiro is particularly intriguing; if United are to replace him, it must happen soon, making midfield the next area to address.
**Steven Railston**
Before the transfer window began, I argued that United’s top priority should be signing a quality defensive midfielder to replace Casemiro, and I still believe this is essential. Casemiro’s performance declined significantly last season, and relying on him for the upcoming campaign is not advisable.
Finding a suitable replacement for Casemiro is challenging. Joao Palhinha was a potential candidate, but he has moved to Bayern Munich from Fulham, and the market lacks abundant options. Now that a forward and a defender have been secured (though Yoro’s move isn’t official yet), United should focus on this area. PSG’s Manuel Ugarte could be a good fit, enhancing the South American influence in the squad.
**Kieran King**
It’s evident that United need to strengthen their midfield this summer. They need a long-term partner for Kobbie Mainoo, as Casemiro no longer seems capable of performing at the highest level. The Brazilian struggled last season and, at 32, United should consider looking forward.
Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton would be an excellent addition. He has impressed since his move from Blackburn in January and could immediately address United’s midfield needs. This is the area United should prioritize next, with Wharton being the most suitable candidate available.
**Tom Doyle**
Securing Yoro is a significant achievement for United, enabling them to avoid getting entangled in drawn-out transfer sagas and overbidding for targets as they have in previous summers. So, what should they do next? United could benefit from adding another center-back alongside Yoro. Matthijs de Ligt is an appropriate choice if the price is right. Jarrad Branthwaite would be a fantastic signing, but he appears too expensive at this point, especially given Everton’s surprise at Yoro’s fee.
A left-back is also necessary due to the injury records of Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia. Additionally, manager Erik ten Hag urgently needs a defensive midfielder. PSG’s Manuel Ugarte seems a promising prospect at an affordable fee, contingent on Casemiro’s sale. Ultimately, United’s remaining transfer activities depend on generating funds through player sales.
If Ineos can offload Casemiro, Mason Greenwood, Christian Eriksen, and one or both of Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire, then signing De Ligt, Ugarte, and a left-back would significantly enhance the squad. While the departures of Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho seem less likely, if United could sell either, they should consider acquiring a winger or striker. Ivan Toney and Federico Chiesa would bring goals, experience, and depth at reasonable prices.
