Friday, December 27, 2024

Cucurella, Amrabat & Hojbjerg: Are Manchester United bracing themselves for a hectic end to the summer transfer window?

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While Manchester United might have mounted a dramatic comeback at home against Nottingham Forest last weekend as they eventually snatched a 3-2 victory, it is fair to say that the Premier League giants are seeking some recent stability.

Although Erik ten Hag’s side might have broken the bank this summer as they welcomed the likes of Mason Mount and Rasmus Hojlund to Old Trafford, it appears that the Red Devils could be set for a hectic end to the transfer window.

With England international Luke Shaw now facing a spell on the sidelines after sustaining a muscle tear, the former Ajax boss is dealing with what has become a stacked injury list.

With both ten Hag and fans around Old Trafford making it abundantly clear that they are seeking late reinforcements before the summer transfer window slams shut on September 1st, we have taken a look at a few European stars that have been linked with a last-gasp move to the red half of Manchester.

Marc Cucurella – Chelsea

With reports suggesting that Shaw could be set for at least a couple of months on the sidelines after sustaining his muscle injury in training last week, it is no secret that Manchester United are desperate to recruit a new left-back before the window slams shut.

Although the likes of Barcelona’s Marcos Alonso might also be on ten Hag’s list of potential candidates, it appears that Marc Cucurella is United’s standout choice to come in and replace Shaw.

While there might have been much excitement around Stamford Bridge as the Spanish international defender arrived from Brighton in a stunning £60million move, the 25-year-old is in the midst of a west London nightmare.

Freefallng out of Chelsea’s first-team plans on either side of the summer interval, the ex-Getafe defender is yet to make a single appearance this season and has been an unused substitute in each of the Blues’ three top-flight contests.

Desperate to kickstart his career away from SW6, The Athletic reported over the weekend that United have already held initial discussions with Chelsea over a potential loan deal for Cucurella.

Sofyan Amrabat – Fiorentina

Watching the likes of Fred make the move away from Old Trafford this summer and with growing speculation over Scott McTominay’s long-term future, ten Hag has made it clear that he is still seeking midfield reinforcements.

Playing a vital role as Morocco reached the World Cup semi-finals out in Qatar last winter, Sofyan Amrabat has remained heavily linked with a move to Manchester United over recent months.

With just a single year left on his current deal at the Artemio Franchi Stadium, Amrabat has made it clear that he has no intentions of signing an extension.

Completely omitted from both of Fiorentina’s appearances over the past week, Amrabat has made it clear to the Viola’s hierarchy that he is keen on securing a lucrative Premier League switch before the window slams shut.

Famously having a relationship with ten Hag after the duo spent time together at Utrecht, the 49-cap international appears to be determined to force through a move to Old Trafford over the coming days.

Sky Sports reported last week that United are still monitoring Amrabat situation and are weighing up a late swoop.

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg – Tottenham

While it might be Amrabat who has remained linked with a move to Old Trafford this summer, it appears that ten Hag could have a new emerging target at the top of his wishlist over the next few days.

Although Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg might have been a first-team regular after arriving from Southampton for a fee £25miilion, the Danish international could be on his way out of north London after struggling to find his feet under new Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou.

Yet to make a single Premier League start this season and having to settle for a spot on the bench, it has been suggested that the 28-year-old is seeking a new adventure outside of the English capital.

Hojbjerg appeared to be on his way to Spanish giants Atletico Madrid last month but the two parties were unable to agree on personal terms.

With Spurs reportedly slapping a £30million price tag on the ex-Southampton midfielder, The Telegraph suggested on Monday that United are considering a surprise move before the 11pm deadline on September 1st.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tom Dunstan


Formerly of The Independent, Tom has spent the past six years as one of our senior writers and betting experts. Alongside working with numerous publications from across the globe, Tom also graduated from the University of Falmouth in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Digital Media.
Spending almost the past decade working in countries such as Australia, New Zealand and Canada, he has also spent time featuring in sports radio. Tom can be followed on Instagram - @iamtomdunstan

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