A month ago
Manchester United's strongest XI, with Manuel Ugarte and Raheem Sterling fulfilling their dream window.
Manchester United have switched their attention to Raheem Sterling, as Manuel Ugarte and club staff put the final touches on his 42 million deal from Paris Saint-Germain. Manchester United has produced plenty of headlines during the summer transfer window, but the biggest one may be yet to come. Raheem Sterling, formerly of Liverpool and Manchester City, has surfaced as an unexpected target for United, with less than 72 hours until the transfer market closes. A swap deal with Chelsea, in which Jadon Sancho would move the other way to Stamford Bridge, has been explored by the two Premier League giants, both of whom want to unload their respective wingers.
Ugarte, 23, would provide a new dimension to United's midfield, perhaps pushing Casemiro out of Ten Hag's preferred starting lineup. PSG's robust tackler will partner Kobbie Mainoo, with Bruno Fernandes reverting to an advanced role once Joshua Zirkzee is fully fit or Rasmus Hojlund recovers from injury. In terms of injuries, Ten Hag can't wait for Luke Shaw to return at left-back, where he's presently employing Diogo Dalot as a temporary replacement. Centre-back Leny Yoro is also out, although with Matthijs de Ligt already in, it would be surprising if the Dutchman does not partner Lisandro Martinez at least this season.
Ten Hag has many of alternatives on the sides, which makes Sterling's transfer all the more intriguing. Ten Hag may be drawn to the 29-year-old's ability to play as a false nine, despite the fact that he has primarily played on the left side of the field. Fans will become agitated as the deadline approaches, but Ten Hag has urged patience. "Be patient, sit, wait," the Red Devils manager warned ahead of Sunday's late 2-1 loss to Brighton, which highlighted United's need for reinforcements. "We continue to work extremely hard. We will always strive to create the best squad possible. We have a few days and will continue to improve.