Manchester United have seemingly pivoted their transfer strategy this summer as Rúben Amorim looks for more leaders in his squad.
Manchester United’s summer window has hit a massive stagnation after an initial flurry of activity in the opening few days.
United confirmed that they had reached an agreement to sign Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers for £62.5 million. News then filtered through on the following day that Bryan Mbeumo had also chosen to sign for United.
Around the same time, Bruno Fernandes confirmed he was rejecting a mega contract offer from Al-Hilal, furthering the fantastic news.
However, despite two bids for Mbuemo, both have been rejected, and United’s summer plans have stagnated. With the players set to return to pre-season training next week, there is a lot of work to do.
Macheda optimistic about Amorim, but worries about leadership
Federico Macheda is a name United fans will never forget fondly for his incredible last-minute winner against Aston Villa. However, the former wonderkid’s football career never hit the heights many had hoped.
Speaking earlier this year, the Italian was asked for his thoughts and opinions on head coach Rúben Amorim. Macheda replied by stating he felt Amorim could be successful, but that he needed more leaders in his squad.
“I believe yes he can [be successful]. Amorim has a special connection. He’s one coach that can get Manchester United to fight for everything,” Macheda explained.
“I like Amorim even if you don’t see the results, maybe sometimes they play bad football. It’s difficult because for a club to be successful, you need great players.
“United doesn’t have the team at the moment to win the Premier League. They have good players, but if you put any coach in, it wouldn’t change a lot.
“There are only a few leaders: Bruno, [Harry] Maguire, Lisandro [Martínez]. But it’s not enough. Maybe the others are not ready to play for this club.”
United’s transfer strategy change hands Amorim what he needs
Earlier this year, it was reported that United were looking to sign younger players that the club can nurture into top talents in the years to come, with 22-year-old striker Liam Delap a prime example.
Read More: Champions League club “firmly” interested in Man Utd star after giving green light for transfer
However, with Delap choosing Chelsea and United aiming to sign Mbeumo alongside Cunha, the club have seemingly pivoted toward signing more experienced players who can help lead the club into a new era under Amorim.
United are also eyeing a move for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins as an experienced option to lead the line up front after the inconsistent form of Rasmus Højlund. At the same time, there have also been recent links to 27-year-old Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz, formerly a teammate of Watkins at Villa.
With Amorim’s team looking very lost at times and having to rely on key figures such as Maguire and Fernandes, alongside others like Casemiro, their pivot toward signing experienced Premier League players will give the head coach a broader set of leaders next season.
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