Erik ten Hag’s side has been afflicted with injury to start the new season, with forward Rasmus Hojlund set to be out for six weeks after sustaining a hamstring injury during a pre-season friendly against Arsenal.
The Denmark international’s absence reinforces the need for further attacking options ahead of the new season. United recently signed Netherlands forward Joshua Zirkee from Bologna for £32m but Ten Hag is wary of the time required to adjust to the rigours of the English top-flight.
And an approach for the Republic of Ireland forward is very much on the Old Trafford agenda, according to the Daily Star.
The Red Devils have held a long-standing interest in the 19-year-old, who has also garnered interest from Chelsea.
United are keen to not be usurped to Ferguson’s signature by a Premier League rival and are looking to bring the player in before the close of the current transfer window at the end of this month.
Dan Ashworth, United’s new Sporting Director, will be familiar with Ferguson’s abilities having held that same post at Brighton when the goalscorer was snapped up by the South Coast club from Bohemians three years ago. Ferguson has since developed into one of the Premier League’s most highly-regarded young players, albeit his exponential rise was hindered last season through injury.
Despite the small hindrance, United are reportedly still interested in bringing the Seagulls hitman to Manchester, the injury to Hojlund reinforcing the desire.
Brentford’s £60m-rated England international Ivan Toney has been linked with a switch to Old Trafford but according to the report, the 28-year-old England international does not fit the club’s new criteria to invest in younger talent.
