A former Manchester United chief scout has revealed the final decision on the potential transfer for a Bayer Leverkusen star.
Despite Manchester United’s Europa League form, Rúben Amorim’s United side haven’t won a game in the Premier League against a team outside of the bottom three since the end of January, proving the summer transfer window will be crucial to the team’s form next season.
The Red Devils have been linked to players in almost every position on the pitch, perhaps rightly so due to the complexities of Amorim’s unique 3-4-3 system, compared to the 4-2-3-1 formation favoured by Erik ten Hag and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Signing players who fit the system will be a top priority for United’s recruitment team this summer, but very few of Europe’s top sides play a back three, so in-depth scouting will be required.
Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen side are one of the few not to play with four defenders, but they have had great success, even ending Bayern Munich’s dominance in the Bundesliga last season.
Like Amorim, Alonso also plays a 3-4-3, meaning several Leverkusen players could be an ideal fit for United’s team.
United make final decision on Tah
Despite Amorim having several centre-back options, both Luke Shaw and Noussair Mazraoui have had to start games there this season, with almost every central defender spending a period on the sidelines due to injury.
Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt have been Amorim’s go-to choices to play in the middle of the back three, but links to Jonathan Tah have suggested that he could become United’s first-choice central defender.
However, despite having talks with his agent, Mick Brown, United’s chief scout between 1997 and 2005, has revealed to Football Insider that “Jonathan Tah won’t be a target for Man United.”
Brown added: “He’s done well for Bayer Leverkusen and he’s very highly rated, lots of clubs like the look of him. He’s a good leader and he’s very experienced, so of course there is interest.
“The problem as far as United are concerned is that he’s a big, heavy, strong defender and not the type they want to fit Ruben Amorim’s team. His agent has been putting his name about and speaking to clubs across Europe.”
United should prioritise striker signing
Despite the links to Tah and other central defenders, United should prioritise signing a centre forward for next season, replacing Rasmus Hojlund in the starting lineup.
Hojlund has struggle to replicate the form of last season under Amorim and signing another striker will help him develop into the elite finisher he could be.
Before United think of signing a centre-back, they need to remember the performances of Ayden Heaven and Lisandro Martinez before their long-term injuries.
Leny Yoro has also impressed this season, so a new central defender should be the least of United’s concerns, especially if veteran defender Jonny Evans stays as a backup option.
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.