Lack of interest in maligned United man could force INEOS to ignore Ten Hag’s pleas and sell his trusty lieutenant

After Manchester United confirmed the arrivals of Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro before agreeing personal terms with Manuel Ugarte all in the space of three days, fans thought they’d been introduced to a new way of life under INEOS.

However, the dust has since settled on such moves. Through nobody’s fault, Yoro suffered a metatarsal setback that has ruled him out for around three months of action, while the club have cooled their interest in Ugarte due to Paris Saint-Germain’s demands.

There are three-and-a-half weeks remaining of the summer window, and supporters are growing increasingly concerned that depleted positions across the squad are yet to be reinforced ahead of the new season, which, for United, kicks off on Saturday with the Community Shield.

It had been widely reported prior to the window opening that despite Sir Jim Ratcliffe taking the reins in February, United were still in a position where they mostly had to sell in order to sanction any signings. As a result, Alvaro Fernandez, Willy Kambwala, Donny van de Beek and Mason Greenwood were all moved on.

Read more: Ornstein – United transfer carries ‘particular appeal’ to Serie A ace as he closes door on contract talks; swap deal mooted

United were, however, of the expectation that Casemiro would be garnering more interest than he is. It became evident throughout the course of last term that the ageing veteran was struggling to meet the physical demands of the English top flight, with him coming under fire on a handful of occasions for being directly at fault for the side conceding.

The 32-year-old had been tipped to complete a move to the Saudi Pro League – a year on from when a plethora of seasoned professionals pulled the curtains on their European careers to move to the Middle East. Yet, no suitors have come calling.

In turn, The Telegraph writer James Ducker claims Scott McTominay could be sold in order to raise funds, as he is one player who is actually attracting outside interest. Fulham have seen two bids rejected, while Galatasaray are also keen admirers.

Midfield situation hasn’t been made easier by lack of takers, thus far at least, for Casemiro. It’s part of reason McTominay could be sold. Club need to raise money to reinvest. Similar story in the defensive positions https://t.co/bkZxwAAxHi

— James Ducker (@TelegraphDucker) August 6, 2024

As he is a homegrown talent, any fee United could recuperate for the Scot would go down as straight profit.

Read more: Seven Manuel Ugarte alternatives United should consider – opinion

Ten Hag has already made his McTominay stance clear

McTominay’s prospective exit would directly oppose Ten Hag’s recent public pleas to keep the player at his disposal, though. After the 2-0 pre-season win over Rangers on July 20, the manager told reporters: “We want to actually keep him (McTominay) because he’s a very important player for our squad. 

“We’ve seen what he can contribute last season (10 goals in all competitions). When we had the sixes, he could play in a more advanced role. He’s a highly interesting player for our team.”