Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim plans to strengthen his midfield in the January transfer window as he aims to boost the club’s Champions League chances. United are on a five-game unbeaten run in the Premier League, their best run since Amorim took over a year ago, and there is growing confidence at Old Trafford that they can regain their place at Europe’s top table next season.
They are therefore ready to build on what club executives consider a hugely successful summer transfer window when the new year arrives. Improving the quality of United’s midfield is the next priority after investing £200m to revitalize the club’s sluggish attack and securing a new number one in Senne Lamence.
Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes are favorites to coach Amorim, but the Brazilian’s long-term future is uncertain, with speculation that Uruguayan international Manuel Ugarte could be sold to free up cash.
Koby Mainu’s future is also uncertain, with coach Amorim unsure of his best role and limited playing time dampening the player’s World Cup ambitions.
Nottingham Forest’s England midfielder Elliott Anderson is highly regarded at United, but rivals Liverpool and Manchester City are also monitoring the rapidly rising player, with Brighton’s Carlos Baleva a long-term target. However, both players will likely command fees in excess of £100m.
However, as first reported in Portugal, Wolves’ Joao Gomez has been floated as a potential replacement. The Brazil international was hailed as “incredible” by United No. 10 Matheus Cunha, who was his team-mate at Molineux.
He has been closely monitored by United’s leadership over the past 18 months and could be acquired for a significantly lower price than the aforementioned £100m duo. Overseas, a price tag of £44 million has been proposed.
A deal at that price could be delayed until the summer. Wolves are currently at the bottom of the Premier League, without a win this season and with only two points.
New manager Rob Edwards has been appointed and the club has vowed to do everything in its power to maintain its top-flight status.
This includes something akin to a gentleman’s agreement with the new head coach not to let the club’s most valuable asset go in January, thereby maximizing their chances of remaining in the Premier League. This means keeping the former Flamengo star.
Of course, that could change if United make an offer significantly higher than Wolves’ valuation for Gomez. However, that figure would have to be significantly higher than the proposed £44 million.
Meanwhile, Gomez is set to represent Brazil at the World Cup next summer and knows he needs to play regularly in the Premier League to have the best chance of breaking into Carlo Ancelotti’s side. He got that at Wolves, but he might not have gotten it in Manchester initially.
However, a move to United may not yet materialize in the summer if they have other options.
