Manchester United have made an approach via intermediaries to sign a Bundesliga winner, with Manchester City also heavily linked to the German international.
Manchester United have a big call to make in the coming weeks, with the final decision coming down to Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Should they stick or twist with Rúben Amorim?
If they decided to sack Amorim – despite the 2-0 win at home to Sunderland on Saturday afternoon – Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada will have to make a serious call on who will take over and become the third manager of the INEOS United era.
On the other hand, if they stick with the current United boss, they need to make more signings in the January transfer window, or Amorim will continue to struggle. The former Sporting CP manager is desperate for another central midfielder to replace Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte.
Bruno Fernandes needs a midfield partner who can cover ground quickly, while being capable in possession, unlike both current options. United were linked to Carlos Baleba in the summer transfer window, and could return next year, but a move in January is highly unlikely.
United make approach for Pavlovic
If Amorim is to stay in charge at Old Trafford, signing a new midfielder in January has to be a priority. With Baleba more likely to sign in the summer, United have turned their attentions to Bayern Munich’s Aleksander Pavlovic.
Sports Bild – via the Bayern Insider Podcast – have reported that United have approached Pavlovic’s camp through intermediaries. However, the German international is also an option for Manchester City and is said to be “even higher” on their list.
“His services would be in high demand in England,” said Tobias Altschäffl – Bild deputy football editor. “A transfer is currently out of the question for him, but he’s a hot prospect for the Premier League in the future.”
A good offer from United could be enough to persuade Bayern Munich into a sale, although United may prefer a loan move if they maintain interest in Baleba. Pavlovic has started just two of Bayern’s six league games this season, but has started both Champions League ties.
United could be priced out of Pavlovic deal in January
United’s move for Pavlovic would have to come in the January transfer window, but the German could be too much for the Red Devils in January, especially given United’s lack of spending outside of the summer.
A loan move would suit Amorim’s side more, but Bayern are unlikely to let Pavlovic leave on a temporary basis, as one of the few natural central midfielders in Vincent Kompany’s squad.
Read More: Mason Mount reveals the Manchester United squad’s views on Rúben Amorim after 2-0 Sunderland win
United may be forced to consider alternative options, including recalling Toby Collyer on Dan Gore from their EFL loan moves. Both represent the type of profile Amorim needs in midfield, but they may be too inexperienced to displace Casemiro in the starting lineup.
Collyer showed promise during the pre-season tour of the United States, although a season away from Old Trafford will seriously boost his development. Amorim could turn to Sékou Koné or Tyler Fletcher from the under-21s side as another young alternative.
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