Manchester United hit with transfer blow as key target “favours a move” to Premier League rivals

Manchester United have been hit with a transfer blow as it’s revealed one of Rúben Amorim’s key targets favours a move to Premier League rival Liverpool this summer.

Manchester United are planning to sign a new left-back in 2025 as Rúben Amorim aims to address the defensive shortcomings that have hindered his side’s progress across his opening two months.

Amorim has faced challenges solidifying United’s defence, with set-piece vulnerabilities proving particularly costly. Reinforcements in the 2025 transfer windows are expected to be a key focus for the club.

The left-back position has been a persistent issue for United. Luke Shaw, a mainstay in the role for many years, has dealt with recurring injuries, including a career-altering double leg fracture against PSV Eindhoven in 2015.

Tyrell Malacia, Shaw’s deputy, recently returned after a demanding 17-month recovery from a serious knee injury that required multiple surgeries.

Diogo Dalot has stepped in to cover at left-back, but Amorim has acknowledged that the versatile defender is more effective in his natural position on the right-hand side. This has made strengthening the left-back position a top priority for the club.

United hit with Kerkez transfer blow

With the left wing-back position a key target for United, they have been hit with a fresh transfer blow as one option for the position, Hungary international Milos Kerkez, favours a move elsewhere.

Fabrizio Romano has previously stated that Kerkez to United is “one to watch” for 2025, but according to iSport, the player’s priorities now lie elsewhere, away from Amorim’s team.

The report states that the 21-year-old would rather move to Liverpool over either United or Man City, and that all three clubs have already made contact with the player’s representitives.

A major player in the sway towards Merseyside is said to be Liverpool director of football Richard Hughes, who initially recruited Kerkez to England when he worked for Bournemouth.

Bournemouth are under no pressure to sell their young star, and are thought to be aiming for a transfer fee upwards of £50 million this summer, having already ruled out a January sale.

Kerkez is one of several options for United

However, Kerkez is not the only left-back United have been linked with in the last month.

Read More: I played with Viktor Gyökeres and think his preferred transfer is Manchester United

Manchester United are said to be keeping a close watch on Benfica left-back Álvaro Fernández, who departed Old Trafford for the Portuguese club in January last year. Initially joining on loan, his switch was later made permanent.

A move for the 21-year-old could be financially savvy for United. While his current deal includes a £42 million release clause, Rúben Amorim’s side hold a £16 million buy-back clause, which remains valid until 2026.

United are also reportedly targeting Bayern Munich left-back Alphonso Davies. The Canadian international is set to leave the Bundesliga club when his contract runs out in 2025, with United exploring the possibility of securing his services as early as this summer.

The club recently signed 17-year-old Paraguayan left-back Diego Leon, who has signed a four-year contract with the club, although he cannot join until he turns 18 in April.

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 released every Wednesday at 6 pm (BST) on the United View YouTube channel.