Ruben Amorim is trying to bring the glory days back to Manchester United, but he is finding out just how tough that task is. A nightmare start to his reign saw the Red Devils finish 15th in the league, with question marks over his future given a disastrous run of form.
It's clear that a rebuild is required to fix a broken United team and help Amorim put his vision into place. He could turn to one or two familiar faces whom he's previously worked with to get there.
We look at three players who should be on the Portuguese coach's shortlist, given he's not only managed some of them but also played with one. They know just what is required to help his philosophy work.
3 players with Ruben Amorim connections that Man United should target this summer
Viktor Gyokeres
Striker, Sporting
This one is obvious, but recent reports suggest Viktor Gyokeres has informed United that his preference is Arsenal amid an expected Sporting CP departure. But that doesn't mean he's rejected the Red Devils. In fact, The Mirror reports that he has performed a U-turn and is now more keen on an Old Trafford move.
It's pretty understandable why the 27-year-old has been constantly linked with the club since Amorim's arrival last November. The Portuguese coach was vital in transforming the Swede into one of Europe's best goalscorers, posting 66 goals in 68 games while working under him at Sporting.
You needn't look further for evidence of how important Gyokeres views Amorim than to speak with the player's agent. His comments amid the latter's appointment as Erik ten Hag's replacement spoke volumes. Here's what he told Record (via United in Focus):
"I would say that at this point it is also very important to know… what will happen with Ruben Amorim... Because we came here because of him. We have to know what Sporting's plans are."
Morten Hjulmand
Midfielder, Sporting
It's quite surprising that there hasn't been more talk of Morten Hjlumand making the move to United. The Danish midfielder is a combative and energetic midfield unit who played a crucial role in Amorim's Sporting team.
Amorim has struggled to implement his playing philosophy at Old Trafford, there's no escaping that. One of the main issues has been a lack of a reliable defensive midfield profile who is capable of putting out fires while also excellent on the ball.
The 26-year-old has those traits in his game and is also a leader, as seen during his time occasionally wearing the captain's armband. His former manager hailed him as a "fantastic player and captain," and surely he'd relish the chance to join him at United.
Another holding midfielder who impressed while playing under Amorim was Bayern Munich's Joao Palhinha. The Portuguese tactician brought the 29-year-old with him to Sporting from Braga in the summer of 2020, just four months after he'd taken the managerial job.
Palhinha has proven Premier League experience, having been a success at Fulham before moving to the Allianz Arena last summer. He has failed to replicate the heights of his Craven Cottage spell while in Munich.
The Red Devils have been linked, and Bayern are thought to be willing to sell at around £25.6m-£29.9m, per CaughtOffside. This would be a steal given the current market, although the player is keen to prove himself despite a disappointing debut season with the German heavyweights.
Jan Oblak
Goalkeeper, Atletico Madrid
No, Amorim has never managed Jan Oblak, but he has played alongside the veteran goalkeeper, whose future at Atletico Madrid isn't certain. The pair were teammates at Benfica before the Slovenian left for the Wanda Metropolitano in 2014.
Oblak has become one of Europe's most highly-regarded shot-stoppers during his time at Atletico. Now 32, he has tons of experience and could be the perfect short-term answer to a problem area amid Andre Onana's struggles.
Reports from Spain (via Football 365) claim he is on United's radar and that Diego Simeone is prepared to listen to offers. Amorim's past connection could pay dividends if a concrete move is made.
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