Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on Manchester United’s pursuit of West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta.
Manchester United spent over £120 million in the summer on two new no.10s for Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 formation, despite already having Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount for those positions.
United triggered Matheus Cunha’s £62.5 million release clause in his Wolverhampton Wanderers contract at the start of the summer as the club looked to make a statement of intent following a dismal 2024-25 campaign.
In July, following protracted negotiations with their Premier League counterparts, Brentford, United agreed a deal to sign Bryan Mbeumo for an initial £65 million, which could rise to £71 million if all bonuses are triggered.
The duo have both made a bright start to life at Old Trafford. Mbeumo has already found the back of the net five times this season, and Cunha has been very bright despite his lack of goals and assists.
Signing another attacking midfielder is unlikely to be a priority for Jason Wilcox, but Cunha and Mbeumo have already shown that they can both play in other roles. Therefore, a new No.10 can’t be ruled out.
United not in talks for Paqueta
Despite rumours of United monitoring Lucas Paqueta’s situation ahead of the January transfer window, Fabrizio Romano has said United are not in talks over a deal to bring the Brazilian, who would give Cunha and Mbeumo competition for their place at Old Trafford.
“In January, if there is the right opportunity, Paquetá could have the possibility to go and leave West Ham. So keep an eye on that one, because it’s a concrete possibility,” Romano said on his YouTube channel.
“Many asking about Manchester United. At the moment, I am not aware of concrete or advanced negotiations between Paquetá and Manchester United or Manchester United and West Ham.
“That’s what I am told at the moment on the Paquetá story. Let’s see what’s going to happen. Because Paquetá could be very interesting in terms of role, in terms of quality. But financially, West Ham are not going to give Paquetá for free or for small money,” the transfer guru concluded.
United don’t need Paqueta
Paqueta is a very good footballer, but United are right not to pursue him. Squad depth is important, but it’s important to plug all the holes in the starting eleven before investing large sums of money in squad depth.
United need a left-wing back and a new defensive midfielder before spending more money on No.10s. Wilcox has already spent significant sums of money on Mbeumo and Cunha this summer, while United also have players like Fernandes and Amad who can play there.
United need a No.6 who can break up play and offer a reliable presence on the ball, ideally someone who is an outstanding passer. A left-wing back is also a must. Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu and Diogo Dalot are both exceptional players in their own right, but don’t suit the left-wing back role.
On the January window, Amorim said: “I don’t know what is going to happen, but of course we think about how we can improve the team, and January, the window is open, we can do something.”
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 (BST) on the United View YouTube channel.