This week’s transfer rumors regarding United were dominated by Fabinho, Alvaro Morata, and Cristiano Ronaldo.
ALVARO MORATA
Florentino Perez revealed in midweek that Madrid are not in talks with any club with regards to the transfer of striker Alvaro Morata. Perez also rejected the notion of a bid for the striker. United looked distracted in their quest to land the Spaniard by the Ronaldo transfer activity. While that case looks shut now, United will presumably go all out in their attempt to sign Morata. The deadline Mourinho gave Woodward is fast approaching and United will be hoping that Morata is announced before the date.
FABINHO
Manchester United and Jose Mourinho have reportedly gone full Fabian Delph in their attempt to sign Monaco midfielder Fabinho. Mourinho initially was reluctant to sign Fabinho and preferred Matic or Dier in his place. But this week, United and Mourinho seemed to have prioritized the Brazilian’s signing. Di Marzio reported that the clubs were in negotiations over a package for Fabinho and that the player was rooting for a switch to Old Trafford.
United remain locked in negotiations with Monaco over the transfer of Fabinho and a move could be announced any day unless Mourinho has another change of heart.
Fabinho himself appeared relaxed and confident about a United move and revealed that he finds the prospect of playing under Mourinho tempting. He also placed Jose in the top bracket of coaches.
CRISTIANO RONALDO
It seems as if Ronaldo has had another change of heart with regards to his future. With Perez announcing in midweek that the club [Real Madrid] supports Ronaldo in his battle against tax fraud allegations, the Ronaldo-to-United engine ran out of steam. Ronaldo now looks set to stay at Madrid his court battle notwithstanding.
ANDRE GOMES
United reportedly had a bid for Portuguese ace Andre Gomes rejected by Barcelona. Super agent Jorge Mendes, who also represents Mourinho, met with Barcelona chiefs and made United’s interest in Gomes known. While Barcelona remain reluctant to sell, they may be forced to do so considering the club have to raise cash in order to pursue Marco Verratti. It remains to be seen whether United return with an improved second bid.
MATTEO DARMIAN
Darmian reportedly asked for a transfer on the phone with Jose Mourinho. Frustrated with a lack of playing time at his favored right-back spot, Darmian wants to return to Italy potentially with perennial Champions Juventus. Juventus’ interest in Darmian is no secret. Juventus were the club United beat to get to the Darmian in the first place. And with Dani Alves set to leave for pastures new, Juventus are in the market for a right-back. Matteo Darmian is their favorite and a bid is expected in a few days’ time.
United do not want to sell but will do for the right price if Darmian remains adamant.
ANDERSON TALISCA
United have been linked with a move for Benfica player Anderson Talisca all week. While currently in the middle of a two-year loan at Besiktas, Talisca has made it clear that he would love to move to United. Besiktas were quick to shoot down the rumors and made it clear that they expect their star man to remain in Turkey for at least another year. That did little to quell rumors and talks between the clubs are reportedly ongoing.