BREAKING NEWS: Man Utd has finally seal quickfire third signing before Fulham opener after medicals complete

Even if Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui are practically guaranteed, Manchester United may yet make additions to their roster before their Premier League matchup with Fulham.

If INEOS gives up on pursuing Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte, Manchester United can acquire a third player this week before Friday’s Premier League opening against Fulham. In the next few days, Erik ten Hag will bolster his team with his third and fourth summer additions, in time for the Old Trafford curtain-raiser.

However, United might not be done yet, as they are rumoured to be considering midfield additions in addition to their defensive and offensive reinforcements.

Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui, both of Bayern Munich, allegedly finished their medicals at Carrington on Monday.

The last two Ajax reunions during Ten Hag’s leadership were secured by United last week when they agreed a £60 million double deal with the Bundesliga heavyweights.

De Ligt will pay an initial £39 million over three years, along with an additional £4 million. An estimated £13 million is Mazraoui’s fixed fee, which also includes bonuses of £4 million.

The two are the latest additions to INEOS’ first transfer window at the helm of recruitment, joining Bologna attacker Joshua Zirkzee and Lille centre-back Leny Yoro, who signed in July for £37 million and £59 million, respectively.

Despite doubtful depth, United is anticipated to be aggressive in the midfield market prior to the August 30 transfer deadline.

In Ten Hag’s double pivot behind Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo has made a name for himself, but it’s still unclear who his preferred partner is.

Casemiro is expected to play a significant part as he started all five of United’s preseason games as well as the Community Shield match against Manchester City.

However, Scott McTominay, Christian Eriksen, and Toby Collyer are the backup alternatives if the 32-year-old finds it difficult to regain his form following a disastrous 2023–2024 campaign.

According to reports, United has made Ugarte their top midfield target, although they have declined to pay PSG’s £51 million asking price thus far.

To raise money for Ugarte, the Red Devils may need to go elsewhere or demand the sale of another player. Both Sofyan Amrabat and Burnley’s Sander Berge are reportedly near the top of the shortlist.

Notwithstanding the Fiorentina star’s strong finish to the season and pivotal part in United’s victory against City in the FA Cup final, United decided not to activate a £21 million option to make the loan permanent this summer.

Amrabat is apparently still eager to leave Old Trafford, though, and the Serie A team is reportedly willing to take a proposal as low as £10 million to fulfil his wish to leave.

If United focused on Amrabat, a quick resolution would be easy due to both parties’ determination to close a deal.

Though there is a lot of interest in Hannibal, McTominay, Facundo Pellistri, and Victor Lindelof, INEOS might be content to wait a little while more and put their trust in Casemiro.