Fabrizio Romano: Ruben Amorim has requested Jason Wilcox to secure surprise Manchester United target

Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Ruben Amorim has requested that Manchester United secures one surprise transfer target in the summer.

It’s no secret that Manchester United have drastically underperformed this season.

The Reds parted ways with Erik ten Hag earlier in the campaign, but new boss Ruben Amorim has yet to spark an immediate turnaround.

Currently sitting 15th in the Premier League and already eliminated from both domestic cup competitions, United’s only remaining hope for success this season lies in the Europa League.

It is extremely clear that changes need to be made in the summer window, with several important signings needed in order to improve the squad at Amorim’s disposal.

Romano says Amorim wants surprise target

According to Fabrizio Romano, Amorim and the United board have held initial meetings over potential summer transfer targets and the head coach has identified a surprise priority.

The Italian reporter claims that the 40-year-old has requested that Jason Wilcox, who will lead the transfer window for United, signs another centre-back in the summer.

Despite signing Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven over the last two transfer windows, the Reds said to be “seriously considering” bringing in another defender for Amorim’s three-at-the-back system.

Victor Lindelöf and Jonny Evans are both expected to leave the club in the summer and Lisandro Martínez is currently out of action with a long-term knee injury.

Despite the fact that we’ve seen Noussair Mazraoui also flourish in the wide centre-back role, Romano concluded that the internal view at Old Trafford is that with the amount of games to be expected next season, another centre-back would be “important” to help the squad.

United’s defensive situation has changed, but Amorim has options

United seemed to be very stacked in the centre of defence when the season started but things have quickly changed due to multiple factors.

No one really expected Evans or Lindelöf to contribute but the injury to Martínez has been a huge blow, and unfortunately, there’s no guarantee that he comes back as the same level of player.

Read More: Manchester United star “desperate” to leave Old Trafford following brutal Sir Jim Ratcliffe comment

Then you also look at how United’s change in shape means an extra centre-back is needed. Without the smart signing of Heaven in the mid-season window, United would have been in trouble.

On the other hand, there are probably more pressing needs for United – such as in attack or at wingback – and perhaps an internal option could provide that depth Amorim wants.

There are some exciting Academy talents in the building at Carrington and Amorim did take a liking to Godwill Kukonki early in his spell.

Considering a new defender would likely be a squad option for next season, it doesn’t seem like it would make much sense to splash the cash on that player. However, if Jason Wilcox and his team can find another Heaven for £1 million, no one will be complaining.

Make sure to follow UtdDistrict on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to never miss out on any of our Manchester United content. Our podcast, What the Devil?, is streamed live every Thursday at 12:30 pm (GMT) on the United View YouTube channel.