Man Utd transfer dream is back on as Erik ten Hag boosted by unexpected U-turn

Fulham have made a surprise return to the negotiation table for Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay ahead of the August 30 transfer deadline, according to reports. The 27-year-old’s sale would open the door for a fifth summer signing as Erik ten Hag patiently waits to bolster his thin midfield options.

United have been strongly linked with Manuel Ugarte, who was absent from Paris Saint-Germain’s travelling squad in Friday’s Ligue 1 opener against Le Havre.

But PSG’s demands have so far kept an agreement out of reach, with the Red Devils thought to be unwilling to meet their £51million asking price.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has sanctioned an expenditure of around £155m to recruit Joshua Zirkzee, Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui this summer.

Meanwhile, United have raised in the region of £60m from the sales of Alvaro Fernandez, Donny van de Beek, Willy Kambwala, Mason Greenwood and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

However, amid a blatant need for fresh blood in midfield, Ten Hag has been made to wait as INEOS attempt to oversee further sales to make room.

McTominay has represented one of United’s best opportunities to boost their transfer kitty, with Fulham, Galatasaray and Napoli among his admirers.

The academy graduate’s sale would enter the books as pure profit and likely provide the required firepower to unlock a fifth new arrival.

And Fulham have reportedly emerged as a potential destination after it appeared like they had ended their interest earlier this month.

According to Sky Sports, the Cottagers weren’t expected to reignite their pursuit of McTominay after United rejected a second bid worth around £20m.

But Fulham are said to have re-opened discussions over a deal for the Scotland international and are primed to submit an improved offer.

It’s claimed that United value McTominay at around £30m, but previous reports have suggested a £25m approach could tempt the Old Trafford giants to cash in.

Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro started Friday’s 1-0 victory against Fulham in Ten Hag’s midfield double pivot behind Bruno Fernandes.

Beyond that duo, the Dutchman’s options stretch to McTominay, Christian Eriksen and Toby Collyer, leaving him one injury away from a worrying scenario.

McTominay entered the pitch with the score at 0-0 in the 84th minute against Fulham, replacing Mainoo as United pushed for a winner at Old Trafford.

Joshua Zirkzee’s smart finish moments later was enough to start the Premier League season with three points.