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Manchester United 'cannot afford to sign new striker and goalkeeper this summer'

Man United 'cannot afford to sign new striker and goalkeeper this summer'
© Reuters
Manchester United cannot afford to sign a new striker and new goalkeeper in the summer transfer window, according to a report.

Manchester United will not be able to afford a new big-money striker and goalkeeper during the current transfer window, according to a report.

On the back of a successful first season at the helm - winning the EFL Cup and qualifying for the Champions League - Erik ten Hag is seeking reinforcements in all areas of the field.

The Red Devils brought Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, Lisandro Martinez, Antony and Tyrell Malacia to the club last summer, but their attacking ranks were thinned by Cristiano Ronaldo's bitter exit before the World Cup.

Burnley loanee Wout Weghorst and the injury-plagued Anthony Martial both failed to cut the mustard up front, while David de Gea was heavily criticised for a number of errors in goal.

Despite taking home the Premier League's Golden Glove with 17 clean sheets, De Gea made four mistakes directly leading to a goal in all tournaments - only Tottenham Hotspur's Hugo Lloris made as many out of all players in the English top flight.

David de Gea in action for Manchester United on May 7, 2023© Reuters

With De Gea also yet to extend his contract beyond the end of the month, a new number one could also be targeted, but the Daily Mail claims that Man United must pick between the two positions due to budgetary constraints.

As well as additions in defence and attack, Man United are working on a £50m deal for Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount and are apparently prioritising the capture of the Englishman before turning their attention to other areas of the field.

Furthermore, the Red Devils' transfer activity is restricted while the saga surrounding the club's ownership shows no signs of a resolution, as the Glazers continue to dig their heels in over a sale.

With neither Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani nor Sir Jim Ratcliffe any closer to winning the race to buy the club, Ten Hag has apparently been left furious with the impact that the situation has had on his summer plans.

Tottenham Hotspur talisman Harry Kane was previously regarded as Man United's number one attacking target, but Daniel Levy is still playing hardball, in spite of the fact that the England captain could depart on a free transfer in 2024.

Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane claps the fans on May 20, 2023© Reuters

Levy is expected to demand at least £100m to sell the 29-year-old and is even more reluctant to do business with Man United, who are no longer thought to be actively pursuing a deal for Kane.

Napoli's Victor Osimhen and Eintracht Frankfurt's Randal Kolo Muani could also prove too expensive, while Atalanta BC have supposedly slapped a €100m (£85.6m) price tag on Danish striker Rasmus Hojlund.

The Red Devils would not have to fork out such an astronomical fee on a new goalkeeper, but the report adds that they are yet to make a bid for Everton and England number one Jordan Pickford.

Ten Hag has also been tipped to reunite with ex-Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana, who kept eight clean sheets during Inter Milan's run to the Champions League final, where they suffered a 1-0 loss to Manchester City.

Man United could apparently enjoy a clear run at Onana after Chelsea withdrew their interest, but the ex-Cameroon international may command a £45m fee to leave the Nerazzurri.

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Written by
Ben Knapton

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