Exclusive: Man United's three-man midfield signing plan revealed

Man United are targeting moves to sign Manuel Ugarte, Youssouf Foffana and Sander Berge before 31 August, sources have told Football Insider.

Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that Erik ten Hag is prioritising a move for a new number six to strengthen his squad and United are preparing moves.

However, a move for Ugarte has stalled due to his lofty asking price and the Red Devils have been forced to consider cheaper options in the latter stages of the window.

Fofana is one name on the shortlist who would represent a cheaper deal, while the Frenchman would prefer a move to United ahead of the likes of AC Milan.

Berge, meanwhile, suffered relegation with Burnley last season but is seen as an outside option given his profile which fits the type of player Ten Hag wants to sign.

Ugarte remains the top target for United if they can cash in on some of their fringe players to raise money before the end of the month, with the deal likely to drag on.

Erik ten Hag shortlist revealed as Man United target three new midfielder signings

Ten Hag is desperate to further improve his squad, with a number six the new priority after agreeing deals to sign Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazroaui from Bayern Munich.

Casemiro is currently the first-choice in that role at Old Trafford, but Football Insider reported that fans have been frustrated by his performances in pre-season.

His dwindling displays, which have continued after a poor run of form in the latter stages of last season, have forced United into the transfer market.

Ugarte emerged as the number one target thanks to his impressive displays for PSG, but he has been on United’s radar since his time at Sporting CP.

The defensive midfielder played 37 games last season after making the £51million move to the French giants in the summer of 2023.

Fofana and Berge, meanwhile have emerged as potential alternatives should the Red Devils be unable to agree a reasonable fee with PSG.

Both midfielders would be interested in a move to Old Trafford, but United face competition from other European clubs and may be pushed to move quickly.

In other news, Newcastle fans are raging at a “disgusting” Man United twist.

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