Manchester United now “unlikely” to sign 24 y/o star Dan Ashworth thought was a “dream” for Rúben Amorim

Manchester United have suffered a fresh transfer blow as it’s now “unlikely” they will sign Alphonso Davies from Bayern Munich this summer.

Rúben Amorim’s Manchester United project is taking shape as the 39-year-old sets out to build a team capable of winning Premier League titles.

Weeks of training and five matches in domestic and Europa League competitions have helped the players adapt to Amorim’s 3-4-3 system, while he continues to assess their strengths and identify areas for improvement.

Read More: Manchester United star ‘voices complaint’ over Rúben Amorim decision as squad respond

United’s 2025 transfer plans are also beginning to come together, with a focus on summer recruitment due to a constrained budget in January.

Following the dismissal of sporting director Dan Ashworth, recruitment is now being led by director of recruitment Christopher Vivell and technical director Jason Wilcox, with Amorim playing a central role in defining the squad’s priorities.

United “unlikely” to sign Davies

Amorim’s club have been closely linked with Bayern Munich left-back Alphonso Davies across the last three months, as the club want to bring in a replacement for Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia.

However, although United have previously been touted as “front runners” for his signature with a meeting reportedly set with his agent in January, journalist Mike McGrath has now admitted that the move is unlikely.

“Manchester United are working within their financial restrictions to target a dynamic left-back as a long-term solution to fit into Ruben Amorim’s system,” McGrath explained on The Telegraph.

“United are looking at left-sided wing-backs in the mould of Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies, who could be a free transfer in seven months, but the competition and costs to sign him makes Old Trafford an unlikely destination.”

Instead, United may be looking to invest in the future. According to multiple reports, United are looking to secure 17-year-old Paraguayan left-back Diego Leon, although this would be a long-term project signing.

The Athletic state that Leon’s transfer would be in the same mould as Sekou Kone and Chido Obi Martin, who have started in the academy and will move to the first team in the future. However, United would have to wait until April for Leon to join as he has to turn 18.

Ashworth’s dream target

The news of United being unlikely to sign Davies comes after the club decided to part ways with Ashworth, who was heavily involved in the club’s recruitment.

It has been previously reported that Ashworth and those at United saw Davies as a “dream” signing under Amorim, but it appears the costs may become too much to justify.

Amid the transfer rumours surrounding Leon, he addressed his situation and confirmed the interest from those at United.

“I have a huge expectation to play the Libertadores 2025,” he explained asked about transfer rumours surrounding him.

“I’ve seen about Manchester United’s enquiry about me, but I don’t know anything. Everything is handled by my agent.”

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.