After a promising first full campaign as Old Trafford manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will have hoped for a pain-free summer on the transfer front.
However, with just over two weeks left, United so far just have Donny van de Beek to show for their efforts.
The lack of new arrivals has prompted Luke Shaw to send a strong message to Ed Woodward.
While Jadon Sancho remains the club’s No 1 target, a report on Sunday claimed those hopes were more faint than ever. That’s amid claims Borussia Dortmund are ready to raise the winger’s asking price.
As such, United appear ready to give up on on prising the England winger away from the Bundesliga side for another year.
In the meantime, it seems they’ve found the perfect stop-gap in the shape of Watford attacker Sarr.
The Senegalese star was strongly linked with a move to Liverpool last week. However, Jurgen Klopp’s side shelved their interest once it became clear a deal for Diogo Jota could be done.
We first revealed United also held an interest for Sarr in this exclusive article last week.
Now it’s being reported in the Daily Express that Solskjaer and Co have upped their pursuit for the Watford man.
The paper writes that United have decided to end their efforts to sign Sancho for now and will instead turn to Sarr.
Watford rate Sarr in the £40m bracket. But having scared off Liverpool with their demands, the Express reports that the Hornets will now consider his exit on a season’s loan with a view to a permanent move.
After Liverpool dropped out of the running, United are the only side to have a firm interest in the player.
That will give United the immediate extra option in attack they crave. It will also give them a season to assess Sarr and, over the long-term, re-evaluate their stance on Sancho.
New Watford boss Vladimir Ivic would like to revive his squad with some new signings. As such, the departure of Sarr – albeit on loan – could free up funds to launch the club’s effort to bounce straight back into the Premier League.
Sarr played 30 times for Watford last season, scoring five times. His two goals and an assist in their 3-0 home win over Liverpool in February showed his talent.
Should a move to United materialise, they will hope for more of the same.
Alex Telles deal close for United
As well as Sarr, United could soon finalise a deal for Brazilian wing-back Alex Telles.
When asked by a fan on United’s progress on the transfer front, well-connected journalist Fabrizio Romano replied: “It will come. A LB and winger will arrive…step by step.”
Those hopes were given a further lift when the transfer expert delivered another promising update.
Addressing the situation on Saturday evening, he tweeted: “Tonight #MUFC have been in contact again with Alex Telles agents. He will push to leave Porto on next few days. Man Utd are monitoring and considering an opening bid.”
The left-sided star has also opened up on his future, but was giving very little away.
