Manchester United transfer news RECAP Man Utd agree fee for fourth summer signing plus Frenkie de Jong latest

Manchester United continue to pursue Barcelona playmaker Frenkie de Jong, while another surprising target has emerged on the radar for Erik ten Hag this summer.

Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez were handed Premier League debuts for the club against Brighton on Sunday afternoon as United slipped to a 2-1 defeat in that frustrating curtain raiser. Pascal Gross struck twice for the Seagulls as United momentarily hit back with an own goal.

It underlined the need for Ten Hag to strengthen further this month and the De Jong saga rumbles on. Cristiano Ronaldo's future also remains unclear.

Shortly after Brighton had walked away from Old Trafford with three points, interest in veteran Austrian star Marko Arnautovic came to the fore. It was a revelation that raised eyebrows on social media and beyond as United eye up attack-minded recruits before the window shuts.

TODAY'S BIG TALKING POINT: Are you happy with United pursuing Arnautovic? Have your say here.

A recap of the day's United news.

Rio Ferdinand has said that Cristiano Ronaldo should have started for Manchester United during their Premier League opening weekend defeat to Brighton.

Erik ten Hag's side could not continue their pre-season momentum as they succumbed to a 2-1 defeat at Old Trafford in what turned out to be far from the dream start for the Dutchman. The Reds were 2-0 down in front of their own fans after just 39 minutes as they failed to get to grips with the game.

The performances from a variety of players prompted questions over their place in the team going forward – with particular concern over United's inability to control the midfield. The pairing of Scott McTominay and Fred failed to take control of the match as the need