Three exits as £55m double deal struck – Man Utd's dream final month of transfer window

Manchester United have enjoyed a productive first summer transfer window under the INEOS regime, but there is plenty of work to be done to reshape Erik ten Hag’s squad. The Red Devils are eyeing at least three more deals before the August 30 deadline, with further players making way to clear space on the wage bill and boost the budget.

United earned praise for completing two major moves in July, recruiting Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee and Lille centre-back Leny Yoro for a combined £88.5million.

Meanwhile, INEOS raised almost £50m through four sales, including Mason Greenwood’s £27m switch to Marseille and Willy Kambwala’s £10m exit for Villarreal.

Pre-season injuries to Rasmus Hojlund and £52m new boy Yoro have served as a painful reminder of last term’s woes, though.

And they have intensified concerns among supporters that United won’t have sufficient squad depth to handle another injury crisis.

With less than a month of the summer transfer window remaining, there is a lot to do to ensure Ten Hag’s squad is in the best shape possible to improve on a dismal 2023/24 campaign before surprise FA Cup glory.

Express Sport runs through two things that must happen this month to end the window on a positive note and leave a green tick next to INEOS’ start at the helm of recruitment.

Trio secure permanent exits

United’s clearout hasn’t quite been as ruthless as many hoped, but there is still time for multiple first-team players to seal permanent exits after the pre-season tour of the United States.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka looks set to join West Ham United, while Scott McTominay has been the subject of two bids from Fulham, with a third expected.

With another centre-back arrival likely, Victor Lindelof is also thought to have a chance of making way once Ten Hag and his squad return to Carrington.

He has entered the final year of his contract and would be fifth in the pecking order if a second new central defender follows Yoro through the door.

Bayern Munich sanction double deal

United have reportedly proposed a double deal for Bayern Munich defensive duo Noussair Mazraoui and Matthijs de Ligt.

Both players are thought to have green-lit a move to Old Trafford and were left surprised by Bayern’s refusal, given the club have informed them that they have no future at the Allianz Arena.

ESPN report that the Bundesliga giants want a combined £55m for both players, and Fabrizio Romano claims United will return with an improved offer.

Both arrivals would bolster Ten Hag’s defensive depth and almost certainly remove the risk of suffering an unprecedented availability crisis like last season.