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Ruben Amorim has already explained how Man United have saved millions in summer transfer window

Man United's smart thinking in the mid-season window looks set to pay off in this summer's transfer window.

Ruben Amorim smiles at a pre-match press conference.

Ruben Amorim believes Manchester United have already saved money in the long run.

(Image: Matt McNulty/Getty Images.)

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has been fortunate enough to work with almost every member of his squad in the opening week of pre-season training at Carrington over the last few days.

A crop of United's players reported back to the club's training ground on Monday before those who were on international duty at the end of last season returned on Thursday.

It has meant Amorim has been able to put more than 30 players through their paces in first-team training this week. The Reds will step up their pre-season preparations when they face Leeds United in Stockholm next Saturday.

However, the start of United's pre-season preparations came too soon for centre-back Lisandro Martinez. The Argentine is continuing to recover from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury that he sustained back in February.

The left-sided centre-back was forced off during United's 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace and underwent a successful operation the following week. He has since been working hard on his recovery and confirmed in a social media post in midweek that he is making progress.

Prior to the January transfer window, Martinez was United's only left-footed centre-back. He was just getting into his stride and coming to terms with Amorim's 3-4-2-1 formation when he got injured, meaning it was a major setback for him and the Reds.

United's rearguard is in need of balance and the presence of a left-footed player on the left side cannot be understated. Fortunately, United swooped for youngster Ayden Heaven in the mid-season window, signing him from Arsenal for £1.5million.

Despite only making one substitute appearance for the Gunners, he made his mark at Old Trafford almost immediately. He ended last season with six appearances to his name and each of those outings saw him produce an accomplished showing.

As a result, despite only being 18, few United fans will have any fears if he is a regular starter this coming season. United have changed their transfer strategy under Ineos, targeting hidden gems that can be signed for relatively low fees.

Ayden Heaven holds up his Manchester United shirt after being presented to the fans at Old Trafford.

Ayden Heaven has been an excellent signing so far.

Heaven has the potential to be a low-risk, high-reward signing, and Amorim admitted back in April the youngster is more than capable of filling in for Martinez, admitting the club's decision to sign the teenager for such a small fee will save them money this summer.

"Ayden is a kid that arrives here, worked really well and then with some injuries, he had the opportunity and shows a lot of qualities. So that can also change your recruitment," Amorim told Sky Sports.

"So if we we're thinking 'Licha has an injury, we need a left-footed centre-back', but now we have this kid, so we can save money for another thing. So that is really important and the door is open for young kids."

United are desperate to strengthen their attack as a priority this summer, meaning the £1.5m acquisition of Heaven earlier this year means they have reserved funds that can go towards strengthening their biggest weakness.

Despite releasing Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof last month, United have no plans to sign a centre-back this summer. However, if they had not signed Heaven, they would have almost certainly been in the market for a left-sided centre-back right now.

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