With more than three weeks gone in the summer transfer window, Manchester United are still yet to make their first signing of the Erik ten Hag era.
Following a disastrous 2021/22 campaign, United were expected to come flying out of the traps at the start of the window, with Ten Hag desperate to add new recruits to his squad. However, the Reds have started almost as slowly as they were to stop opposition attacks last season, meaning they face a race against time to get new faces through the door before the campaign gets underway in just five weeks' time.
United are understood to be edging closer and closer to wrapping up their first signing of the window in the shape of Feyenoord left-back Tyrell Malacia, but their pursuit of Frenkie de Jong, despite agreeing a fee for him, has been thrown into a sense of doubt after Barcelona president Joan Laporta insisted that the Spanish giants have 'no intention' of selling him this summer.
READ MORE: What the Manchester United pre-season tour squad could look like with signings
Nevertheless, De Jong remains one of the favourites to join United this summer, while the Reds continue to be linked with several other prospective new arrivals. With that in mind, MEN Sport has taken a close look at five players who are currently being tipped to seal moves to Old Trafford by the bookmakers.
Denzel Dumfries - 3/1
In an ideal world, United could do with strengthening their right-back options this summer and Inter Milan ace Denzel Dumfries is a player that has been linked with a move to Old Trafford by the international media in recent weeks. Given his nationality and connections to the Eredivisie, he is likely to be a well-known figure to Ten Hag.
Dumfries, who joined Inter last year, is an attack-minded full-back and would significantly strengthen the Reds' right-back options. The bookmakers currently have United installed as the favourites to sign him.
Pau Torres - 5/2
United, as reported by the Manchester Evening News earlier this summer, have consulted Ten Hag on the prospect of signing Villarreal centre-back Pau Torres this summer, as they look to bolster their central-defensive options. The Spaniard was on United's radar last summer and they were prepared to make a move for him if their efforts to land Raphael Varane failed.
Torres, who excelled for Villarreal last term, helping them reach the semi-finals of the Champions League, is considered as one of the best centre-backs in La Liga. Tottenham Hotspur have also been credited with interest in his services, with them currently considered as the favourites to sign him at 2/1.
Frenkie de Jong - 4/6
The most obvious one of them all. United, unsurprisingly, are the favourites with the bookmakers to win De Jong's signature this summer. The Reds have been tracking him for almost two months and the Manchester Evening News understands that they have agreed a fee with Barcelona to bring him to Old Trafford.
However, Laporta's announcement about being reluctant to let go of the Dutchman has cast yet more uncertainty over the whole situation. It continues to be one to watch.
Christian Eriksen - 4/7
Another midfielder on United's radar is Christian Eriksen, who is currently a free agent after not signing a new contract at Brentford. The Denmark international, who joined the Bees on a short-term deal in January, has been offered a new contract by the Londoners but he is yet to make a decision on his future.
Ten Hag is interested in luring the attacking midfielder to Old Trafford, with United now considered as the favourites to sign him by the bookmakers. A decision is likely to be made on his future sooner rather than later.
Antony - 4/5
Ajax ace Antony is another name high up on Ten Hag's wish list. The Reds are determined to sign a new right-sided winger and the Brazilian is their leading target to bolster that area of the pitch.
Playing a key role in their latest Eredivisie title success last season, Ten Hag is determined to be reunited with Antony in M16 this summer. He would bring an array of qualities to Old Trafford, not least his silky skills. United are the favourites to land his signature.
*Odds are courtesy of SkyBet and are correct as of 3/7/2022.
Sign up to our United newsletter so you never miss an update from Old Trafford this season.
READ NEXT:
- Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford reveals the two things Erik ten Hag has done in training
- Lisandro Martinez delivers Erik ten Hag verdict and explains what he'd bring to Manchester United
- How Manchester United could line up this season if Cristiano Ronaldo seals transfer exit
- Manchester United reiterate Cristiano Ronaldo stance amid latest exit reports
- All the very latest Manchester United news, views and transfer updates
