Manchester United have drawn up a list of five midfield targets ahead of the new season, and Manchester United have signed Bologna striker Joshua Zikazi and Lille centre-back Linio after their worst Premier League season last season. With full control of football operations, a new football executive has been appointed by sporting director Dan Ashworth. According to Sky Sports, the club are currently trying to reach an agreement for five midfielders
United have been heavily linked with Manuel Ugatti, but believe his demands are too high, with Paris Saint-Germain keen to recoup the £51.4m they paid for him from Sporting Lisbon last summer. Therefore, Monaco’s Youssouf Fofana;Sander Berge from Burnley; Martin Zubimendia from Real Sociedad;Palmeiras’ Richard Rios and Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat are also being considered.
Amrabat spent last season on loan at Old Trafford, making 30 appearances in all competitions, and has said he wants to stay at United. “I think there will be an option for next year,” he told Dutch broadcaster Ziggo Sport after Manchester United’s FA Cup final. “Manchester United needs to get better and we are training hard. Finally, that patience is rewarded. I will talk. Are there people? But everyone should be happy with each other. Let’s sit and watch.”
However, Fofana appears to be United’s top choice, with reports suggesting they have already held initial talks to sign the 25-year-old from Monaco. He has been with the club since 2020 and is entering his final year.
Fofana has made 21 appearances for the French national team and most recently reached the semi-finals for Les Bleus at Euro 2024, losing 2-1 to champions Spain thanks to goals from Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo.