Manchester United's Portuguese head coach Ruben AmorimManchester United's Portuguese head coach Ruben Amorim
Manchester United's Portuguese head coach Ruben Amorim | AFP via Getty Images
Ruben Amorim wants to sign a striker this summer as he looks to rebuild his Manchester United squad
Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has called for his former club to transform the spine of the team with five new additions to Ruben Amorim’s squad this summer.
The Red Devils return to Premier League action this weekend but their hopes of securing Champions League football are slim as they sit 14 points behind Chelsea in fourth. Fifth spot could secure a Champions League place for next season but United are 12 points adrift of rivals Manchester City who currently occupy that position.
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Tottenham Hotspur are up next for the Red Devils as they head to North London aiming to get back to winning ways in the league. Ruben Amorim still has the chance to make the season a success with United remaining in contention to win the FA Cup and Europa League. Planning for a summer overhaul is underway with Amorim keen to bolster a number of areas. One of those positions he wants to strengthen is at striker.
Scholes calls for new ‘spine’
“There are a few things that are concerning. There's a lot of stuff he (Ruben Amorim) needs to do, we all know that, especially in transfer windows, but I don't see a core of players,” Scholes told The Overlap Fan Debate.
“When you look at teams, you look right down the spine of a team. Liverpool: great goalkeeper, great centre half, forwards, midfielders, whatever. I don't think United have any of that in any position. I think a new goalkeeper is needed, possibly two centre halves, two centre midfield players, and two centre forwards. Alright, I'll go for one centre midfielders and one centre forward, but with a bit of stature, a bit of quality, and really create a spine. When you've got that spine right, then you can add bits to it.
“That spine, that core, is so important. If they don't get that right this summer, this might sound ridiculous, but the form since this manager is in, they could be looking at relegation. I'm telling you, it's been so bad.”
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United ‘secure’ deal for new striker
Scholes appears to have got at least one transfer wish ahead of the summer. According to reports in Spain, United have agreed a ‘blockbuster’ deal with Sporting CP to sign Viktor Gyökeres at the end of the season. Fichajes reports a deal has been agreed between the clubs for Gyökeres to play under Amorim again, with the pair working together previously at Sporting.
Gyökeres has a release clause of €100m in his contract but the report claims a fee of around €70m has been agreed. Since his arrival in Portugal in 2023, the Sweden international has scored a staggering 77 goals in 85 games. He has also provided 22 assists. Reports earlier this month had named Arsenal and Barcelona as other clubs eyeing a move for Gyökeres while the likes of Chelsea have been credited with an interest in the past.
In other news, ex-United boss Erik ten Hag could return to the dugout after reports in the Netherlands claimed he was being lined up as a target by one of his former Ajax rivals.