Manchester United Transfer News: Major Names Targeted by Red Devils, Top Rumours

Manchester United have reportedly already begun their approach to sign out-of-favour Juventus defender Daniele Rugani, but the pressure on summer signing Memphis Depay is growing at Old Trafford.

According to Tom Coast of Sport Witness, the Red Devils have already launched a bid to sign Rugani, who has played just two minutes for the Bianconeri since making the permanent switch to Turin earlier this year.

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The report also cited Rugani's agent, Davide Torchia, who recently told Italian outlet Radio Crc that his client will look for a move away from the Old Lady if his Juventus exile continues.

Italian outlet Calciomercato previously reported that there was interest from United among others (h/t the Independent).

United currently boast the Premier League's best defence after conceding just eight goals this season so far, one fewer than joint-leaders Manchester City and Arsenal.

Chris Smalling and Daley Blind have established themselves as manager Louis van Gaal's centre-backs of choice. Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo sit as deputies in that area, but maintaining match fitness among the four has proven problematic.

Meanwhile, Rugani is yet to feature in league competition this season as the likes of Leonardo Bonucci, Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini continue to block his path in central defence.

Di Marzio translator David Amoyal sourced a report from Sky Sport's Fabrizio Romano, who claimed Juve are in no rush to let Rugani leave the team and will persevere with the 21-year-old as a prospect:

Massimiliano Allegri signed Rugani permanently from Empoli last season, but his hopes of establishing a presence at Juve may be dimming after failing to make his Serie A debut for the club at this stage.

Van Gaal has already made it his business to recruit a list of young talents at Old Trafford, and Rugani could be viewed an another piece to that puzzle.

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Meanwhile, the Dutchman has confessed he's disappointed with the form of summer arrival Depay, who is no longer assured of a starting place in the United team following a difficult start to life in England.

Speaking to the media ahead of Saturday's fixture against Watford, Van Gaal was asked whether he expected more of the player this term, to which he replied, per talkSPORT:

"

Of course, because otherwise he was still in the team. Otherwise I don't look for another solution and (that is why) I have kept Jesse Lingard and Andreas Pereira, for that option. Now he has to fight back and he does it, so I am satisfied (with him).

There is always a chance (he will play on Saturday). I have to see and compare players. He is always looking very good. Jesse Lingard has played very well, but it's a question if he is consistent and that we have to wait and see. I don't have any problems with players but sometimes they are out of the team because their competitor is in that moment in a better shape but that doesn't mean that I have a quarrel with the player. It's a matter of form.

"

Van Gaal may put on a brave face when defending his countryman, but questions may intensify regarding Depay's form should the Netherlands international struggle for much longer.

ESPN FC writer Musa Okwonga highlighted the winger's potential to set this United team alight when at his best, but the concern is that we're yet to see that quality produced on a consistent enough basis:

United forked out £31 million for the Dutch ace, who scored 28 goals in 40 appearances for PSV Eindhoven last season and was one of the Netherlands' more impressive figures at the 2014 World Cup.

The notion has been put forward that Depay is feeling the pressure attached to Manchester United's famous No. 7 jersey, but former Red Devil David Beckham said that pressure should be embraced, per Goal's Daniel Edwards:

"

I don’t see it as an intimidation, I see it as an honour. When you get given the No.7 shirt it doesn’t matter who has worn it in the past or what that player has achieved in the past. At the end of the day it is a special shirt to wear but I don’t think personally that it comes with any pressure. It always was an inspiration for me.

It was never my shirt. It was George Best’s, Bryan Robson’s, Eric Cantona’s. The only reason I wanted to wear the No.7 shirt was because of these players. The No.7 shirt is a special shirt for Man United. It always has been and it always will be.

"

It will be some time before the possibility of an Old Trafford exit will be treated seriously considering Depay is still just 21, but Angel Di Maria's failed Manchester United move is evidence of how pressure at the club can tell.

Moving across nations and leagues can be difficult, so Depay will be given time to earn back his star status with the club. However, chief Van Gaal may require some swift convincing if the forward is to cement his spot in the squad.