Revealed: Man United’s ‘five-man transfer shortlist’ as Erik ten Hag and Dan Ashworth identify new midfield targets after being ‘unwilling’ to meet PSG’s £51m price for Manuel Ugarte

Manchester United have reportedly announced a shortlist of five players as the Red Devils look to strengthen their squad for the upcoming season.

The 2023-24 FA Cup winners have already entered the transfer market, signing young defender Leny Yoro from Lille and Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna. However, United have been dealt a major blow as Yoro is out for around three months with a foot injury – having undergone surgery in the past week.

Last season, Erik ten Hag’s team hardly struggled with injuries, especially in defense. Mail Sport has learned that they are actively looking for new full-backs for both wings.

Under new sporting director Dan Ashworth, it is understood the 20-time English champions are also on the hunt for a new central midfielder, with Fulham eyeing a move for Scott McTominay. There is also speculation that Casemiro could leave the club this summer – following a disappointing 2023-24 campaign.

United have already had one bid for McTominay rejected for Marco Silva’s club, but earlier this week a second bid of £23million was rejected.

New sporting director Dan Ashworth (pictured) is looking to recruit players in several key areas

United appear unwilling to accept PSG’s £51m asking price for midfielder Manuel Ugarte (pictured)

With the Scotland international’s contract expiring in 2025, United have stepped up their efforts to sign Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte, but are ‘not prepared’ to pay the Uruguayan’s hefty £51million price tag.

This has prompted Ashworth and Ten Hag to re-evaluate their targets, with The Athletic reporting on Tuesday that the Red Devils had contacted Burnley midfielder Sander Berge’s representatives over a potential transfer.

The 28-year-old is according to The mirrorone of five targets on United’s transfer list, which also includes Monaco’s Youssouf Fofana, Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, Palmeiras’ Richard Rios and Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat.

There was much talk last summer about the possibility of both Liverpool and Chelsea becoming embroiled in a bidding war for Fofana amid what many have since dubbed the great midfield battle.

The 25-year-old France international has been a regular fixture in the heart of Monaco’s midfield since joining the club in 2020. Fofana, who scored four goals and provided four assists in all competitions last season, is reportedly a top candidate for United. His contract expires in 2025.

Elsewhere, Barcelona have been big fans of Zubimendi, 25, for some time now and have eyed him as a replacement for Sergio Busquets. Arsenal are also interested in the Spaniard, who graduated from Real Sociedad’s youth academy.

Fulham have tabled multiple bids for Scott McTominay (pictured), with the latest bid coming in at £23m

There is speculation that Casemiro (pictured) could leave the club this summer after a difficult 2023-24 season

Youssouf Fofana (pictured) has been a regular at the heart of Monaco’s midfield since joining the club in 2020.

Barcelona have been big admirers of Martin Zubimendi (pictured) for some time now and have eyed him as a replacement for Sergio Busquets.

His contract expires in 2027 and Mail Sport reported in January 2023 that Mikel Arteta’s side had reached an agreement to pay his £52.5million buyout fee, but Zubimendi did not want to leave his hometown club mid-season.

Rios, 24, is another option in the middle of the park for Ten Hag, with the Colombian seemingly having caught United’s attention following his performances at the Copa America.

The Colombian helped his team reach the final of the tournament, including scoring in the quarter-final against Panama in July.

The 1.83m midfielder is a physical presence in the centre of the pitch and has an excellent ability to disrupt the play.

Mail Sport understands that Ten Hag and his leadership team are on the hunt for several new defenders. With concerns over Luke Shaw’s ability to stay fit and Tyrell Malacia sidelined for much of last season, United are set to intensify their search for a number of new defenders.

Burnley’s Sander Berge (pictured) has also emerged as a surprise transfer candidate for United

Richard Rios (pictured) appears to have caught United’s attention after his performances at the Copa America

Ten Hag is still keeping his cards a secret when it comes to new players.

“Do I already know what I’m going to do next year? No,” Ten Hag told Ziggo Sport after his team’s FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.

“We’re going to talk. Staying is definitely an option. Look, I think it’s been a very difficult season.

“For Manchester United it has to be much better, and also for me personally. I have always remained calm and trained very hard. In the end that patience has been rewarded. We will talk.”