Ruben Amorim applauds the Manchester United fans at Old Trafford
Ruben Amorim applauds the Manchester United fans at Old Trafford
Long gone are the days of Manchester United throwing millions about in the transfer window to bring the world's best players to the club.
Last summer, United brought in talented, young defender Leny Yoro, pinching him from under the nose of Real Madrid, signed Joshua Zirkzee after a decent season in Italy and took Manuel Ugarte off Paris Saint-Germain. They also added Bayern Munch duo Noussair Mazraoui and Matthijs de Ligt.
This year, it looks to be a different story - and it could be one that leaves Ruben Amorim frustrated. United are on course to record their worst-ever Premier League finish and they could endure a season without European football as a result.
Money is expected to be tight with the recruitment team facing a huge task. It means smart business will be required to improve the squad in a bid to climb up the Premier League table. As a result, lesser-known names are being linked with a move to Old Trafford.
And while there is a market for uncovering hidden gems, United have to be cautious in the market to ensure they do not stagnate and suffer again next season.
Here, The Manchester Evening News looks at two reports that are surprising...
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United's creativity in midfield has been a problem this season with it often falling on to Bruno Fernandes' shoulders. Adding reinforcements in that position is one required but creative playmakers come at a premium.
And according to GIVEMESPORT, United could move to sign Middlesbrough's Hayden Hackney if they can't get their primary targets. Crystal Palace are said to be the frontrunners but the Red Devils have reportedly maintained an interest.
MEN Sport says: "Turning to a Championship player to provide back-up to Bruno Fernandes is something United must avoid, at all costs. Hayden Hackney is only 22 so has the potential but he needs a move to the Premier League before United.
"Palace would be the perfect next step. Players like Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise have moved to Selhurst Park before becoming key Premier League players. Hackney fits into a similar mould as those two so it's one United must stay away from this summer."
Surprise Onana replacement
Andre Onana's future at Old Trafford has been left in limbo at times this season. Errors leading to goals have left some calling for United to sign a new goalkeeper for next season.
A number of shot-stoppers have been linked with a move but according to The Sun, Blackburn Rovers' Aynsley Pears is on their radar. The 26-year-old is being tipped for a move to the Premier League after becoming Rovers' first-choice.
Pears has kept 13 clean sheets in the Championship this season and is expected to secure a move to the Premier League.
MEN Sport says: "Pears' stats this season in the second tier are impressive with 35 goals conceded in 35 games. However, just as is the case with Hackney, he's not ready for United.
"A move to Old Trafford comes with huge pressure and so many players have failed to adapt. If Pears was to replace Onana, his career could nosedive with the number of eyes on his every move.
"Unlike Hackney, he doesn't have age on his side and that could stop him from securing a move elsewhere before making the step to one of England's biggest clubs."
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