Manchester United could be set for a formation change under Ruben Amorimplaceholder image
Manchester United could be set for a formation change under Ruben Amorim | Getty Images
Manchester United will be looking to strengthen in January and a cut-price midfield move makes a lot of sense.
There are some transfers that just make sense. Whether it is a homecoming, a player who has always supported the club, or just the perfect fit.
Manchester United are, slowly, heading in the right direction with Ruben Amorim threatening to get his team back into European competition in a Premier League season where anything seems possible for a team that goes on a run of good results. That Aston Villa went from considering sacking Unai Emery to second place is the perfect example of how crazy the English top-flight has been this campaign.
Man United linked with Ruben Neves
The Red Devils boss still has a few areas where he needs to upgrade. United have made a move for Antoine Semenyo, whether or not he will consider a positional shift from being an out and out winger to a wing-back remains to be seen, but he would offer the same quality going forward as Amad Diallo does on the other flank. Questions also remain in midfield with Casemiro’s expensive contract running out and Kobbie Mainoo not being trusted by Amorim. One way or another, that is a situation that won’t change until one of them leaves Old Trafford.
One player who Manchester World has told Amorim that he should be signing is Ruben Neves, the 28-year old has six months left on his Saudi Pro League contract and would be the perfect foil for international teammate Bruno Fernandes. The skipper hasn’t been happy recently and signing one of his closest allies might help to improve his mood. Then there is his Premier League experience with Wolves and the fact that he is one of the best defensive playmakers around. According to The Daily Mail, United look to have been listening to our demands with Neves on Amorim’s radar for a bargain £20m fee.
Who are Man United linked with to strengthen the midfield?
The midfield is set for an overhaul with Casemiro being linked with a move Stateside and to MLS where several former La Liga stars have gathered before riding off into the sunset and collecting their pensions. The player who much was hoped of but who has delivered little is Manuel Ugarte. After just two games in the Premier League this season Ugarte has seen his name mentioned with a move to Turkey and the aforementioned Mainoo has already requested to leave United.
According to The Mail: “Club sources have stressed that there won’t be any panic moves in January, only deals that can be brought forward six months from the summer.” The names being discussed are all players who are capable of looking after the ball, but who do a lot of their best work out of possession to with Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton, Conor Gallagher, Carlos Baleba, Tyler Adams and Joao Gomes all being considered as per the report.
Neves is the oldest out of these players although he has an impressive pedigree and was well respected in the Premier League during a six-year stint at Wolves. Nothing concrete has yet emerged, however, if ever a signing made sense, it is signing Ruben Neves for £20m.
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