Manchester United are hoping to sign a midfielder who is “still defensive but with more intensity in their vision” this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Ruben Amorim is within his first pre-season and summer transfer window as Man United manager. The Portuguese is preparing for what will mark his first full campaign at Old Trafford, with the Red Devils having ended the latest term with their lowest-ever points tally in the Premier League era.
The club have enjoyed a positive run of results in their friendlies ahead of the new season and have already made a number of additions to their team. Young defender Diego Leon has joined Man United, who have also signed Bryan Mbuemo and Matheus Cunha from Brentford and Wolves respectively, as they explore further deals.
Now, speaking on the Here We Go Podcast, Fabrizio Romano has shared an update on the type of midfielder that the Red Devils are hoping to recruit before the deadline.
‘Let’s See What Happens’
Romano shares update on Man United transfer plans
Man Utd fans want Ruben Amorim to start shock player in first Premier League game vs Arsenal
It is clear that Amorim is aiming to completely reshape his attack this summer. Along with Mbeumo and Cunha, Man United have been chasing a deal for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko. It would also appear that the Red Devils have at least considered reinforcing their midfield according to Romano, who said:
"I can give you one secret. Man United, at the beginning of the window, end of May/start of June, considered the opportunity to go for Joao Palhinha who is Portuguese like Ruben Amorim, he knows the player so well, now Palhinha is going to Tottenham, €30M loan deal with buy option.
“Man United decided eventually to go for a different player, less holding defensive midfielder, still defensive but with more intensity in their vision. Let’s see what happens and what kind of opportunity is on the market."
After just one season at Bayern Munich, Joao Palhinha is set to join Tottenham on loan, returning to the Premier League where, with Fulham, the midfielder established himself as one of the division’s best tacklers. The Red Devils were seemingly keen on Palhinha, who would have offered competition to the likes of Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro.
Joao Palhinha 24/25 Season Stats
Competition
Bundesliga
Champions League
DFB-Pokal
Now, though, it might be that Man United aim to sign a midfielder with a different profile, a player who is “less (of a) holding defensive midfielder” and in turn, a player who is comfortable moving the ball forward. Such a signing would allow Bruno Fernandes to play in a more advanced role under Amorim’s management, but as Romano noted, it is entirely dependent on “what kind of opportunity is on the market.”
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( All stats are fromTransfermarktand are correct as of 02/08/2025 )