Manchester United forced into £52 million decision, it could be Erik ten Hag’s answer

Manchester United are being forced into making a £52 million decision that could be the answer to Erik ten Hag’s current problems at Old Trafford.

So far this summer, Manchester United have strengthened their defensive ranks by signing Leny Yoro, while Joshua Zirkzee has been brought in as part of the club’s new muli-talented forward line.

Erik ten Hag‘s men suffered significant frailties across all their departments last campaign, and the two summer additions so far have helped reinforce the attacking and defensive areas.

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However, with just over three weeks left until the end of the 2024 summer transfer window, United have still not signed a midfielder despite being linked to many players in the position.

The club have been linked to Sander Berge, Richard Ríos, Martín Zubimendi, and Sofyan Amrabat, among others, and it is the third name on this list that is the highest-profile signings.

Zubimendi recently won the 2024 European Championships with Spain and has a release clause in his Real Sociedad contract that is just shy of £52 million. While United have been pondering whether or not to pay it, they are being forced into a decision.

According to The Athletic, Premier League rivals Liverpool are now exploring a deal to sign the 25-year-old international as they want to add a new No. 6 to Arne Slot’s squad.

With Ten Hag only having Casemiro as the only senior and seasoned No. 6 in his team, he is in desperate need of fresh legs in the position, and Zubimendi would be a perfect solution to this problem.

United have also recently been credited with weighing up a move for AS Monaco midfielder Youssouf Fofana and are “serious” about a transfer.

AC Milan have been making significant strides in the deal and are said to be his preferred destination, but in a new twist, United’s high-level proposal to the player has left him pondering his initial assessments.

It is said that Fofana “wouldn’t say no” to United, and the valuations of the player by the Serie A and Ligue 1 outfit remain fairly far apart, which leaves space for United to enter the race. Varying reports have placed his value at around £17-20 million.

Although Fofana would like to move away, he is said to be remaining professional. Should a transfer not materialise, he is continuing to make himself available to the manager, Adi Hutter.

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