SQUAD FOR SAMPDORIA REVEALED
The Manchester United squad travelling to Dublin to face Sampdoria has been revealed. New signing Nemanja Matic is in line to make his debut just two days removed from completing the switch to the North of the country. Both Antonio Valencia and David De Gea, who missed the trip to Norway have been included for the short trip. This is United’s final pre-season friendly ahead of the Super Cup clash against Real Madrid.
CONFIRMED SQUAD: David De Gea, Joel Pereira, Antonio Valencia, Timothy Fosu-Mensah, Chris Smalling, Eric Bailly, Axel Tuanzebe, Victor Lindelof, Phil Jones, Daley Blind, Matteo Darmian, Scott McTominay, Marouane Fellaini, Nemanja Matic, Andreas Pereira, Paul Pogba, Ander Herrera, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Marcus Rashford, Romelu Lukaku, Anthony Martial
LOAN INTEREST
Premier League club Watford have reportedly inquired about the possibility of taking United youngster Timothy Fosu-Mensah on loan for the season. Fosu-Mensah’s process stalled over the past season after an impressive breakthrough campaign under Louis van Gaal. Though he is expected to stay and provide cover in a number of positions, the opportunity to blood the Dutch international in Premier League colours could persuade United to sanction the transfer.
DONE DEAL
United are reportedly close to sealing a fourth transfer of the window and it is not Ivan Perisic. Wantaway PSG right back Serge Aurier has agreed a deal with United if speculation is to be believed. Aurier and United have agreed upon a package of £95k a week. Though a fee is yet to agreed and announced, Aurier’s wish to leave the French Capital has made things easy for Ed Woodward and the transfer committee. A fee in the region of £26-20m could be enough for PSG to part with the dynamic right-back.
DENDONCKER UPDATE
Leander Dendoncker is a possible long term replacement for Michael Carrick and rumours linking him to United refuse to stop. While PSG are another club interested in the powerful Belgian, Dendoncker’s agent gave United hope in their quest for the 22 year old. Dendoncker’s agent, Christophe Henrotay revealed: “I spoke with PSG some time ago. It is true that several clubs are interested. But that does not mean that Leander will move to PSG, a lot could happen.” Mourinho may not make a move for Dendoncker this window but will continue to scout the youngster before possibly recruiting him next summer.
FELLANI UPDATE
Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini will stay at United at least for the time being. The Big Belgian fell down the pecking order with the arrival of Nemanja Matic and has been linked with a move to Turkish side Galatasaray. However, he is willing to stay on until January and then take a decision regarding his future.