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Manchester United have yet to make any significant progress in their efforts to strengthen Erik ten Hag’s squad this summer.
Discussions have been initiated to acquire Jarrad Branthwaite and Joshua Zirkzee. Despite Everton rejecting the initial bid from the Red Devils, Zirkzee’s agent is pushing for a substantial commission before finalizing the Bologna striker’s future.
Nevertheless, the club’s leadership has taken significant steps to enhance Ten Hag’s coaching staff.
Manchester Evening News reports that Go Ahead Eagles manager Rene Hake is poised to join Ten Hag’s coaching team for the upcoming season.
Ruud van Nistelrooy has also received an offer to join United’s coaching staff and is contemplating a return to Old Trafford.
Van Nistelrooy’s potential arrival could have implications on United’s transfer activities.
During his tenure as manager of PSV Eindhoven, the former United striker worked with Branthwaite, now 22, during the 2022-23 season.
While Branthwaite is now recognized as one of the most promising young defenders in the Premier League, he initially struggled to earn Nistelrooy’s trust in the Netherlands.
According to Football Insider, Van Nistelrooy was willing to terminate Branthwaite’s loan and send him back to Everton in January 2023, as he only started three matches for the Englishman in the Eredivisie before the winter break.
Although he had a slow start under Van Nistelrooy, the Everton loanee found his form in the latter part of the season at PSV.
It will be intriguing to see which version of Branthwaite influences Van Nistelrooy’s perspective if United consult him before making an improved offer.
United recently tabled a bid just over £40 million for Branthwaite, but Everton rejected it, holding out for a fee of around £70 million.
Nevertheless, reports suggest that United are open to exploring alternatives rather than meeting Everton’s demands. One of the names being considered is Matthijs de Ligt.
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