Manchester United are not expected to splash big on Raphinha and instead plan to use the cash to strengthen their midfield ranks.
According to a report by TEAMtalk, Manchester United are not prioritising a big move for Raphinha next year, and instead plan on strengthening their midfield ranks. Elliot Anderson and Carlos Baleba remain linked, as they have plans to channel their cash into the right positions.
Manchester United had a strong summer window, where the club prioritised adding to their attacking setup. Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko, and Matheus Cunha arrived in what was a big spend to revamp their front three, while the club also offloaded a host of their attackers, such as Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Hojlund, Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford.
Recently, they were linked with a big move for Raphinha, with the Barcelona man seemingly available if any club could pay a big price. Manchester United were reportedly prepared to pay big for the Brazilian attacker, who recently had his best season to date.
However, the Red Devils are not prioritising a big-money move for a new attacker, and they instead want to focus on strengthening their midfield ranks. Manchester United were keen to land a new central midfielder during the window, but failed with their pursuit of Carlos Baleba as Brighton & Hove Albion were uninterested in offloading him.
The Cameroonian midfielder remains an option for next year, alongside other names. However, in the case of adding someone as expensive as Raphinha, the Red Devils do not intend to use their cash on another attacker. Hence, a move for the 28-year-old Barcelona star is all but ruled out at the moment, although that does not mean they will not sign another attacker in the next window.
Manchester United to prioritise midfield signings
Elliopt Anderson is another big target for Manchester United alongside Baleba. Both these stars are seen as ideal additions for Ruben Amorim’s midfield in the future. The likes of Casemiro could depart, while a recent report stated Manchester United have already pre-agreed a deal to sell Bruno Fernandes to Saudi Arabia next summer.
There is the likelihood that Manchester United will target both Baleba and Anderson rather than only one next summer, as strengthening the midfield is a top priority for the club. Hence, moves for Raphinha and other expensive attackers could be placed on the back burner as the team plans to keep building the right way.