Manchester United's interest in a Premier League midfielder has led to the Red Devils target having his 'head turned', according to a report.
After entering the international break on a high amid a five-game unbeaten streak, Ruben Amorim's men were embarrassingly sent tumbling back down to earth during Monday evening's clash with Everton.
Despite playing most of the game with an extra player thanks to Idrissa Gueye's inexplicable red card for lashing out at teammate Michael Keane, the Red Devils succumbed to a Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall strike in a1-0 loss to David Moyes's men.
That defeat marked the first time in history that Man United had lost a Premier League match after their opponents had a player sent off, and also led to renewed questions about Amorim's job security and tactics.
The Portuguese continues to show unwavering loyalty to his 3-4-2-1 system with Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro as the midfield pairing, but the former has struggled to impact games in the same manner he can in a more advanced position.
Man United target has 'head turned' by transfer interest
Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim pictured on October 4, 2025
Furthermore, Casemiro is expected to leave the Theatre of Dreams when his deal runs out next summer, while Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte's futures are not set in stone either.
As a result, a new midfielder is expected to be Man United's transfer priority for 2026, and it was claimed earlier this month that they were set to sign Wolverhampton Wanderers' Joao Gomes in a deal worth around £44m.
Wolves boss Rob Edwards has since suggested thatno agreement is in place, but according to TEAMtalk, Gomes has had his head turned by Man United's glances, and the Red Devils are aware of his desire to join the club.
The 20-time English champions have therefore begun to 'make inroads' regarding a potential January transfer, although Wolves remain adamant that they will not entertain any bids for the Brazilian while they are in a demotion dogfight.
The Old Gold have collected a paltry two points from their opening 12 Premier League games of the season, meaning that they are currently on course to go down with the lowest-ever total in the history of the competition.
Gomes has started 10 of Wolves' 12 Premier League matches this term and is yet to score or assist in the 2025-26 tournament, but he has managed seven goals and four helpers in 104 appearances for the club overall.
The 24-year-old is under contract at Molineux until 2030, but he would likely still prove a cheaper alternative to the likes of Carlos Baleba, Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton.
What would Joao Gomes bring to Man United?
Wolverhampton Wanderers Joao Gomes on October 5, 2025
Liverpool were memorably linked with Gomes before his Wolves move, and it is easy to see why - there are few midfielders in Europe's big five leagues who can match the 24-year-old's tackling statistics.
Over the past 365 days, Gomes has averaged 3.34 tackles per game in the Premier League, putting him in the top 4% of midfielders across the English top flight, Serie A, Bundesliga, Ligue 1 and La Liga.
The Brazilian also sits in the top 2% for tackles won (2.15) and the top 1% for dribblers tackled (1.87), making him a natural successor to compatriot Casemiro.
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