Manchester United are set to go all-in for at least one midfielder next summer, but with Rúben Amorim wanting reinforcements as soon as January, the club are considering signing a player who has been likened to Casemiro.
After opting to sign a new forward line and a goalkeeper, Manchester United are expected to have their full focus on signing at least one midfielder next summer, as Rúben Amorim continues to mould his Man Utd squad.
United’s midfield has been a hot topic of discussion this season, with many feeling that Bruno Fernandes’ impact in the midfield pivot is lessened compared to when he played as a central attacking midfielder.
Additionally, Manuel Ugarte has failed to replicate the form he showed when playing under Amorim at former club Sporting, and his future at the club remains uncertain.
Casemiro has enjoyed somewhat of a career revival this season, playing an integral role in United’s success so far, starting all but two of United’s games. With his contract expiring at the end of the season, it remains to be seen whether the Brazilian’s contract at the club will be extended.
Amorim wants January reinforcements
Manchester United find themselves on a run of five games unbeaten, and look to have finally hit their stride after a slow start to this Premier League season.
The Reds find themselves in joint fifth, just one point behind Sunderland in fourth, and although many would have ruled out the possibility of Champions League qualification before the start of the season, hopes have been reignited.
It is crucial this season that Man Utd secure some form of European football next season, but the addition of a midfielder in the January window would go a long way in realising that goal.
According to Record Portugal, Amorim wants midfield reinforcements in January, and is considering a move for João Gomes in January.
The Wolves midfielder, who was compared to Casemiro by Matheus Cunha, is thought of as a cheaper alternative to the likes of Carlos Baleba and Elliot Anderson, who the club are set to target in the summer.
With the threat of relegation a real possibility, the outlet reports that Gomes isn’t ruling out a move to Manchester United, who would have to pay around £44 million to secure the signing of the Wolves star in January.
Man Utd need to do smart business
João Gomes has consistently impressed since joining Wolves in January 2023, quickly becoming one of the league’s stand-out midfielders, even in a struggling team like Wolves.
Signing one of their main summer targets in January would be virtually impossible, as they would be priced out of a potential move for targets such as Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton or Elliot Anderson.
The problem that United have is that a lot of clubs could be in for the likes of Wharton and Anderson should they excel on the world stage for their country in the World Cup next summer, and also further inflate the price tag, something United can’t afford.
The signing of Gomes for £44 million could turn out to be an astute signing in the long term, with the 24-year-old having plenty of time to develop. It has been seen from the likes of Patrick Dorgu that less expensive transfers in January can still prove to be key players.
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 14:00 pm (GMT) on the United View YouTube channel.