Manchester United's summer transfer window is shaping up to be a busy one, with the club reportedly closing in on deals for Atalanta's Rasmus Hojlund and Bayern Munich's Benjamin Pavard. The Red Devils are pushing hard to enhance their squad, and recent developments suggest that manager Erik ten Hag's efforts are about to pay off.
United's pursuit of 20-year-old Danish sensation Rasmus Hojlund is reportedly in advanced stages. The Independent's Miguel Delaney reports that while discussions continue over potential add-ons in the deal, there is a growing confidence that the move will be completed sooner rather than later. Hojlund, who only signed from Strum Graz 11 months ago, is believed to be excited about the prospect of moving to Old Trafford. Although Atalanta initially demanded a fee of nearly £80m, it is believed that an agreement can be reached for closer to £60m.
Hojlund, described as a "machine" by one-time opponent Raffael Behounek, is expected to bring a reliable attacking presence to United's front line. The Danish forward, who netted nine league goals last season in Italy, has drawn comparisons to Erling Haaland. With Anthony Martial's injury woes and Wout Weghorst's underwhelming performance last season, Hojlund's arrival could provide the attacking boost United needs.
In addition to Hojlund, United are also reportedly eyeing Bayern Munich's Benjamin Pavard. The 27-year-old Frenchman has made it clear he wants to leave Bayern in search of a regular spot at centre-back. However, it remains to be seen whether he would find that at Old Trafford, given ten Hag's preferred centre-half pairing of Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez.
United's squad is steadily taking shape, with the club having already secured the signing of Mason Mount from Chelsea and agreed a €54m (£47m) deal to sign Andre Onana from Inter Milan. The arrival of these players, along with the potential signings of Hojlund and Pavard, could form an exciting young spine at Old Trafford, involving the likes of Kobbie Mainoo.
Mainoo, the 18-year-old midfield maestro, is set to be the next big breakout star from the academy ranks. Named the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year due to his standout displays across the age groups, Mainoo is expected to remain part of the first-team squad for the 2023/24 campaign. With the likes of Christian Eriksen and Casemiro now into their thirties, it may not be too long before Mainoo is installed as the main man in the midfield.
Manchester United's summer transfer window is shaping up to be a significant one. With the potential arrivals of Rasmus Hojlund and Benjamin Pavard, along with the emerging talent of Kobbie Mainoo, the future looks bright for the Red Devils.
