Barcelona ‘target’ Manchester United wonderkid as Rio Ferdinand predicts star’s transfer fate

The summer transfer window is officially open for business as Manchester United look to make additions to their squad.

It will be Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s first summer transfer window since buying a stake in the club and it is crucial for the club to get it right as United look to compete at the right end of the Premier League table next season. United finished eighth in the table in 2023/24; their worst ever Premier League finish.

They also recorded 14 defeats in the League, their most since suffering 16 defeats in the 1989/90 campaign under Sir Alex Ferguson. The 2024/25 Premier League season is set to start in mid-August, but United’s players are in action with the European Championships already underway and the Copa America coming up next month.

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MEN Sports took a look at the latest United news and gossip doing the rounds in the last 24 hours…

Man United have urged him to take Luke Shaw’s decision

United icon Rio Ferdinand has suggested he would not be surprised to see his former club replace Luke Shaw following his poor injury record last season. Shaw missed a large part of the season and played just 12 times in the Premier League.

As a result, Erik ten Hag has been forced to change his defensive line and Ferdinand believes his fitness issues could be an issue going forward, suggesting a decision should be made in the summer.

“He has to match Shaw and Lisandro Martinez next season and games from both of them,” Ferdinand said on his YouTube channel. “I don’t think Shaw could be unhappy if United said that because of the lack of game time in the last time he’s been here, we’re going to find another left-back.

“I don’t think you could grumble at that. But I think he’s so good when he plays, they’ll go (with him) again.”

MEN Sport says: “Shaw will have the chance to prove to United that he can remain the club’s first-choice left-back as he is set to represent England at the Euros. The 28-year-old has been a crucial player for United in recent seasons and his experience speaks volumes .It could cost United if they were to replace him, given that some players may need time to adapt to new surroundings.”

Barcelona looked at the young man

According to GiveMeSport, Barcelona have set their sights on starlet Kobbie Mainoo. However, United have been informed of the Spanish giants’ interest and are said to have opened talks with the midfielder over a new deal.

The 19-year-old has had a season to remember after breaking into the first team at Old Trafford. He was one of the club’s standout performers, scoring in United’s 2-1 FA Cup final win over Man City, as well as making his full England debut, earning a call-up to Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad.

He has also been nominated for the Premier League Young Player of the Season award and is seen as a generational talent for both club and country.

MEN Sport says: “No-one could have predicted the impact Mainoo would have at United this season. From his FA Cup Final winner and his performances in the Premier League, the 19-year-old has exceeded all expectations and through therefore, selling him now would be a huge mistake. He still has a lot to offer and develop as a player, and staying at Old Trafford can only help him achieve that.”