The signings of Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee, costing a combined total of around $114m (£90m/€105m) , were confirmed last month, with more potential additions being eyed by Erik ten Hag and other key figures at the club.
INEOS is still considering the addition of up to another couple of center-backs this summer. Bayern Munich's Matthijs de Ligt and Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite have been identified as solid targets following Yoro's signing - despite Everton rejecting two offers from United for its England U21 international.
It's believed that De Ligt has verbally agreed personal terms, reports the Manchester Evening News . However, due to a difference in valuation and United's efforts to raise funds through player sales, the proposed move has hit a roadblock in recent weeks. Meanwhile, the club is also considering a move for De Ligt's Bayern teammate, right-back Noussair Mazraoui.
While there are still negotiations to be completed before any additional transfers are finalized, United has kept two iconic shirt numbers available in anticipation of securing more defensive signings. In particular, De Ligt may be eyeing two dream options he's worn for both his club and country.
De Ligt, who donned the No. 4 jersey for Ajax and currently sports the same number for Bayern, was assigned No. 3 at Euro 2024 this summer. Interestingly, United didn't replace Eric Bailly as their No. 3 when he exited Old Trafford last summer. The No. 4 shirt, previously worn by Fiorentina loanee Sofyan Amrabat, is also likely to be vacant.
In the Premier League era, Jonny Evans, Owen Hargreaves and Phil Jones have all sported the No. 4 for United, while the No. 3 has been worn by greats such as Denis Irwin, Patrice Evra and Phil Neville. Other numbers currently unassigned include No. 13, No. 19, No. 26, No. 27 and No. 30.
Liverpool.com says: Manchester United has made more moves than most in the transfer market this summer but not all of them have come off. Liverpool should not be worried just yet, though. Yoro is 18 and Zirkzee is not a proven goalscorer. With Erik ten Hag, Manchester United will always be tactically limited.
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