19 August 2023 , 03:00
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Manchester United have the chance to build on their win over Wolves but must navigate a potentially tricky trip to Spurs.
Despite Raphael Varane's second-half goal being enough for three points in their season opener last Monday, Erik ten Hag's side were criticised for a disjointed display. And a frustrating few days has since followed for the Dutch boss in the transfer market, with the sale of Harry Maguire to West Ham falling through.
The Dutch boss is still chasing other targets, but knows he needs to sell before he can bring more players in - and that is holding up his pursuit of a number of targets, including Bayern Munich's Benjamin Pavard.
So will anyone else join United before the end of August? Here are the latest transfer rumours coming from Old Trafford...
Sheikh Jassim's plan to walk away
United have no doubt been hampered this summer by the prolonged takeover saga, and frontrunner Sheikh Jassim has received no contact from the Glazers over his bid with real concern now growing that the club will not be sold.
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A report in the Manchester Evening News has now outlined how the two parties have not conversed since the Qatari banker submitted a fifth and final bid in May. Furthermore, it claims that sources within the Raine Group – tasked with selling the club – are pessimistic about the process reaching a conclusion.
There have been fan concerns that the US family are at odds with each other over the process of selling as all six siblings still profit from their shares. And now Sheikh Jassim is preparing for the prospect of not having his £6billion plus bid accepted.
Sheikh Jassim is still awaiting an answer on his bid to buy Manchester UnitedWho do you think Manchester United should sign? Let us know in the comments below!
Varane responds to Saudi offer
Raphael Varane has no intention of moving to Saudi this summer and intends to stay at Manchester United – despite the attempts of N’Golo Kante and Karim Benzema to persuade him to join them.
His former France team-mates have both moved to the Middle East this summer from Chelsea and Real Madrid respectively – and have been pushing Varane to follow suit. GFFN have cited French media outlet Sports Zone in reporting that Varane was indeed a target of the Saudi recruitment drive – but the former Lens defender has no intention of leaving Old Trafford, for this summer at least.
Varane retired from international football following the World Cup in Qatar last summer, devoting the rest of his career to club level. He is under contract at United through to 2025 – and intends to remain as first-choice for the next two seasons.
Arteta moves to hijack Pavard transfer
Arsenal are eyeing a move for Bayern Munich defender Benjamin Pavard – despite Manchester United agreeing personal terms with the player.
But Harry Maguire's collapsed move to West Ham has changed the outlook. French outlet L'Equipe have outlined how Pavard has multiple options on the table, including Arsenal and Inter - and the player is open to leaving Bayern.
World Cup hero wants Man Utd move as doubts over Harry Maguire's future grow
Pavard joined the German champions from Stuttgart in 2019 and established himself as a regular player in Munich, clocking up 163 first-team appearances. He was instrumental as the club won the Champions League title in his debut season and has won Bundesliga title in each of his four campaigns at the club.