Manchester United Transfer News and Rumours Tracker: Week of September 29
Manchester United got back to winning ways on Saturday against West Ham but at the expense of Wayne Rooney, who was sent off for violent conduct and will be suspended until November.
United beat the Hammers 2-1 with goals from Rooney and Robin van Persie. However, once again, the team's defence looked short of experience with two teenagers in the back four in Luke Shaw and Paddy McNair.
As a result, Louis van Gaal will surely venture into the transfer market again once the window opens for business in January.
Here, we take a look at the latest news and rumours surrounding the Old Trafford club and potential transfer deals.
—LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3—
United to Move for Fabio Coentrao in January
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Friday, October 3
Louis van Gaal hopes to seal a transfer deal at the second attempt by signing Real Madrid's Fabio Coentrao, in January.
Anthony Chapman of the Express writes that the United boss will move once again for the Portuguese international after failing to land him in the summer.
Chapham says that LvG hopes the acquisitions of Angel Di Maria and Radamel Falcao will convince the defender to join his Old Trafford revolution.
Coentrao has only played three times for the Galacticos this season, per Chapman, and looks sure to exit at the next possible opportunity.
The player operates primarily as a left-back, and his purchase would be a strange one after the arrivals of Luke Shaw, Marcos Rojo and Daley Blind—all players who can operate and cover the role. But Coentrao can also play left-wing and as a defensive midfielder.
Interestingly, the player's agent is Jorge Mendes—the representative of Di Maria and Falcao.
Roma Boss Admits Kevin Strootman Future Is out of His Hands
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Thursday, October 2
Manchester United have been handed a major boost in their quest to land the services of Kevin Strootman, as Roma boss Rudi Garcia admitted holding on to the player is now a decision that is out of his hands.
Jamie Anderson of the Express quotes the Italian club's coach, saying the choice to retain Strootman will be that of his superiors:
"Is Strootman for sale? You'll have to ask our president. But the intention of the club is very clear: Strootman is an important player for us and I hope he is available for the home game against City on 10th December, which is a crucial match.
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Anderson says that United will bid £30 million for the midfield enforcer in January, as Louis van Gaal continues his rebuilding of the team.
Garcia has continually refuted claims that Strootman will leave in January, per Anderson, but his latest comments suggest the Netherlands international might be on his way to Old Trafford soon.
Louis Van Gaal to Target Seamus Coleman
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Wednesday, October 1
Everton right-back Seamus Coleman is the latest name to be linked with Manchester United, as Louis van Gaal looks to expand his defensive options, in January.
Simon Rice of The Independent reports that United will rival Chelsea for the signature of the Toffees flying Irish full-back.
Rice says that Chelsea are preparing a £20 million offer for the player in the next transfer window.
But United will compete with the West London club, possibly offering Marouane Fellaini as part of any deal for Coleman.
United Plan £52 Million Bid for Juventus' Arturo Vidal and Angelo Ogbonna
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Tuesday, September 30
Manchester United are planning an audacious raid of Serie A champions Juventus, with a huge joint bid for Arturo Vidal and Angelo Ogbonna.
James Dickenson of the Express writes that Louis van Gaal will move once again for Vidal after the Chile superstar's impressive start to the season, but will also try and lure Ogbonna to Old Trafford.
Dickenson says that reports from the continent believe the deal would cost the Red Devils £52 million.
Vidal has been on United's radar since LvG's appointment but Italian international Ogbonna would also be a strong addition to the Dutch coach's inexperienced defence.
Juan Mata to Leave Manchester United for Valencia?
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Monday, September 29
Manchester United are believed to be open to offers for their creative Spanish international, Juan Mata.
Paul Clennam of Goal.com reports that Valencia could make a move for the attacking midfield once their takeover by businessman Peter Lim is complete.
United are thought to be willing to listen to bids of £30 million for Mata after the acquisitions of Angel Di Maria and Radamel Falcao, per Clennam.
Mata has fallen down the pecking order at United since the arrival of Louis van Gaal, but he will surely get a further chance to impress the new manager due to the forthcoming suspension of Wayne Rooney.
United Monitor Winston Reid at West Ham
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Monday, September 29
Manchester United are tracking West Ham's impressive 26-year-old defender, Winston Reid.
Rob Shepherd of the Daily Mail believes that the Red Devils have turned their attention to the New Zealander as they look to strengthen their defensive options in January.
Reid's contract with the Hammers expires next summer, leaving him open to offers during the next transfer window.
The player joined the Upton Park club from Danish outfit FC Midtjylland four years ago and has steadily built a strong reputation for himself in the Premier League.
Ashley Young Deemed Surplus to Requirements
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Monday, September 29
Ashley Young's Manchester United career appears to be over. Reports claim the player, now deemed "surplus to requirements at Old Trafford," will be made available in January.
Jamie Anderson of the Daily Express says that a host of clubs will fight it out for the England international's signature, as Louis van Gaal continues to reshape his squad.
Anderson reports Young's former club, Aston Villa, will move to take the player back to the Midlands but will face fierce competition from Southampton and Sunderland.
Young was tried in the wing-back position by LvG during pre-season and despite initial signs of promise, the player has now fallen out of the current first-team picture.
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