Manchester United opened their 2022-23 Premier League campaign with a 2-1 home defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend.
New signings Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez and Christian Eriksen all debuted in the season opener, but it was a disappointing start to Erik ten Hag's reign as head coach.
Ten Hag will be expected to challenge for a return to the top four this season, but it is clear that the squad needs more additions before the end of the transfer window due to the volume of players that have departed this summer.
The Red Devils are working to improve their squad in the final weeks of the transfer window, and with that in mind, Sports Mole looks at three signings that could arrive at Old Trafford before the deadline.
Adrien Rabiot (Juventus)
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Adrien Rabiot's future has been the subject of much speculation over the last few days, with Man United believed to have come to an agreement with Juventus over a £15m deal for the midfielder.
The Red Devils are now said to be in talks with the France international's agents, with the English giants hoping to conclude a deal for the 27-year-old in the near future.
Rabiot has allegedly been told that he is not part of Juventus' plans moving forward, but he has been a regular since arriving at Old Lady in 2019, including last season, when he made 45 appearances in all competitions.
The midfielder made 227 appearances for PSG between 2012 and 2019, winning five Ligue 1 titles, four Coupe de France trophies and five Coupe de la Ligue crowns, and he is also very much part of the France set-up, featuring in their recent UEFA Nations League matches.
There have been concerns over some of the baggage that could arrive with the midfielder, but he could end up being a very clever signing by Man United, who are in desperate need of additional quality in the middle of the park, with Scott McTominay and Fred struggling against Brighton at the weekend.
Cody Gakpo (PSV Eindhoven)
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For a long time, Ajax's Antony looked to be Man United's leading target in terms of a wide forward, but the Brazil international has seemingly been priced out of a summer exit.
As a result, the Red Devils have allegedly switched their attention to Cody Gakpo, who scored 21 goals and registered 15 assists in 47 appearances in all competitions for his Dutch club last term.
The Netherlands international has also started the 2022-23 season in strong form, scoring three times and registering two assists in four appearances, and there have been claims that he could be available for a fee in the region of £35m, depending on whether PSV qualify for the group stage of the Champions League.
"We must first focus on and try to make it to the Champions League," Gakpo told ESPN when asked about the recent speculation surrounding his future. "Then it is more likely that I will stay. I don't think I have said anywhere that I am leaving, so there is definitely a chance that I will stay.
"I'm open for a cup of coffee with the management - or coffee for them and water for me. We'll see how it goes."
Gakpo has represented his Dutch club on 138 occasions in all competitions, contributing 45 goals and 35 assists in the process, and he would provide a welcome boost to an attack that is short on numbers and indeed quality.
Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona)
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Despite seemingly falling behind Chelsea in the race for his signature, Man United are reportedly refusing to give up when it comes to a deal for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong.
The Red Devils have been chasing the Netherlands international since the end of May and are believed to have reached an agreement with Barcelona over a transfer fee, but they have not yet been able to convince the midfielder to make the move to Old Trafford.
The 25-year-old is also said to be owed £17m by his Catalan side in deferred wages, which makes a summer move even more complicated.
At this stage, it looks difficult for the Red Devils to sign De Jong, but it is certainly still a possibility that he could join the club before the end of the transfer window.
The Dutchman would certainly boost the quality in the middle of the park, and it would be a statement signing by the 20-time English champions, but their failure to qualify for the 2022-23 Champions League is believed to be a huge issue for the former Ajax youngster.
Matt Law
