I love what I’m hearing: Man Utd turn their attention to Evan Ferguson securing double transfer
Evan Ferguson, the 19-year-old Brighton striker, has emerged as a top target for Manchester United as they seek to bolster their attacking options before the summer transfer deadline. Ferguson has impressed with 16 goals in 65 appearances since breaking into Brighton’s first-team squad in 2021, earning him recognition as one of the Premier League’s finest young strikers.
Ferguson’s impressive form has caught the attention of several top clubs, including Chelsea, who have been linked with the teenager for some time. However, Manchester United are now preparing to make a late bid to sign the Republic of Ireland international, with the club’s chief, Dan Ashworth, leading the charge.
Ashworth, who previously served as Brighton’s sporting director, is well aware of Ferguson’s potential and is determined to bring him to Old Trafford. United’s interest in Ferguson is driven by their desire to strengthen their attacking lineup following the arrival of Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna.
With Rasmus Hojlund sidelined due to a hamstring injury, Erik ten Hag is eager to bring in reinforcements to ensure a strong start to the season. Ferguson’s versatility and goal-scoring ability make him an attractive asset for United, who are looking to challenge for major honors this season.
Brighton, however, are in a strong negotiating position, with Ferguson tied to a contract until June 2029. The club is reportedly unwilling to consider offers below £50m for the highly rated teenager, giving them a significant bargaining chip in any potential transfer negotiations.
Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has questioned the decision to pay €50m (£43m) for Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt.
The Dutchman started 16 league games last season, with Eric Dier having played ahead of him on occasion, and Scholes says he doesn’t believe de Ligt has what it takes to be a regular starter for the Red Devils:
“[De Ligt] from Bayern Munich… he’s not played for them. That’s a big concern for me, especially when Eric Dier’s playing in front of him. I’m not joking; that is a massive concern for me. You’re bringing in players for £40 million, £50 million, okay, just because he’s played for them three or four years ago…”
“Juventus got rid of him; he wasn’t good enough at Juventus, he obviously hasn’t been good enough for Bayern Munich. He’s coming to us almost like a second-rate defender now. He might be [a good signing], don’t get me wrong. [His relationship with Erik ten Hag from Ajax] is a big boost, and he’s Dutch.”
Scholes’s verdict is harsh
It should be pointed out that one of the reasons that de Ligt didn’t start that many games last campaign was due to injury. He picked up a knock and two separate knee problems.
However, Scholes is right to point out that manager Thomas Tuchel didn’t always favour him. It was five games into the season before he was named in the starting lineup.
Ten Hag could get the best out of de Ligt at United
It is fair to say that the 25-year-old hasn’t quite lived up to his early promise. Despite winning titles at Ajax, Juventus and Bayern Munich, he hasn’t developed into a world-class centre-back. It was telling that he didn’t make the starting eleven for the Netherlands at the European Championships.
Evern so, with de Ligt soon to be under the wing of his first manager again, Erik ten Hag, there is nothing stopping him from kicking on and excelling in the second half of his career.
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