There’s nothing like a dreadful opening day performance to spark a trolley dash.
Manchester United‘s risible 2-1 home defeat to Brighton on Sunday at least served to sharpen the minds of those working behind the scenes to deliver Erik ten Hag some new signings.
Within 48 hours, United had started – and swiftly abandoned – a pursuit of the Austria and Bologna striker Marko Arnautovic and moved to the brink of signing Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot for £15million.
Erik ten Hag can’t hide his frustration as Manchester United lost their opener to Brighton
The performance on Sunday left more questions than answers for Ten Hag and his players
However, even that move could be in jeopardy because his mother and agent has demanded more money.
It also looks increasingly likely they will miss out on Ten Hag’s No 1 target Frenkie de Jong.
With Anthony Martial injured and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Old Trafford future uncertain, the need for United to sign a new centre forward as quickly as possible was hammered home on Sunday as well.
In such times, barely a day goes by without United being linked to someone new. But what’s the latest on each of the names they’re currently being linked to and what are the chances of a move happening?
ADRIEN RABIOT
This was the one deal that looked almost certain to go through – and quickly.
But now there is some doubt that Rabiot’s £15.2million switch from Juventus will materialise after his mother and agent, Veronique, reportedly demanded a salary higher than the £6m he currently earns in Turin.
Juventus are pretty keen to offload him despite there being one year remaining on his contract.
Manchester United have agreed a £15m fee for Juventus and France midfielder Adrien Rabiot
Rabiot is a talented midfield player but isn’t the most popular at Juventus and he has a worrying track record of off-field indiscretions from his time with Paris Saint-Germain.
However, United urgently need more midfield options after starting the season with Fred and Scott McTominay still playing there following the summer exits of Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic.
It speaks volumes, however, that United will continue their pursuit of Ten Hag’s No 1 target, Frenkie de Jong, despite the signing of Rabiot. Clearly they don’t believe he will completely cure their midfield ills.
And it now appears a little more negotiation is needed for the deal to go through.
Chances of the transfer happening: 7/10
FRENKIE DE JONG