With much of the summer transfer window being focused on the forward line, Manchester United have sent scouts to watch a highly talented defender, with Ruben Amorim looking to add depth to his side.
As Ruben Amorim begins reshaping his Manchester United squad ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League season, a host of names are being linked with potential summer moves to Old Trafford.
However, with United missing out on European football, many of their top-tier targets are now out of reach, with the club having to turn its attention to more affordable, realistic alternatives.
The marquee arrival of Matheus Cunha for £62.5 million, and the almost imminent signing of Bryan Mbeumo for a similar fee has already signaled intent to fix United’s faltering attack that only managed to score 44 goals in the league, with many of them coming from elsewhere on the pitch, such as skipper Bruno Fernandes notching eight.
While rightfully focusing on the frontline, there is still a need for depth across the pitch, such as in midfield to partner Fernandes, and also in central defence, owing to Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system.
United scout highly talented defender
SK Brann’s Eiving Helland has recently come out as a potential target for Manchester United, as they look to add centre-back reinforcements to their side.
According to VG, Manchester United sent a scout to watch the 20-year-old “great talent” in action, as he played the full 90 minutes in a 3-1 win.
Following the win, the defender was asked about United’s interest, saying: “I haven’t thought much about it [Manchester United]. That’s just the way it is. That’s how the football world is,” he said, as quoted by VG.
With his contract running out in December 2026, many clubs could be eyeing a move for the centre-back. However, on his future, Helland confirmed that his plan is currently to stay in Norway.
“I’m very calm about it,” he continued. I feel very comfortable here, and my plan is to stay here. No, I’m going to play really well with Brann.”
United need to be savvy with their business
With United looking to spend a majority of their funds on the forward line in the next few months, player sales will be the driving force towards signings in other positions across the pitch.
At centre-back, depth was a big issue for Amorim, with players such as Matthijs de Ligt, Ayden Heaven and Lisandro Martinez all having long spells on the sidelines.
Despite this, with the resurgence of Harry Maguire, and Heaven enjoying a breakthrough campaign, centre-back is not an extremely pressing issue.
Signing Helland for the future, however, would be a great option for United, as the 20-year-old could learn from his teammates and get up to pace with the demands of the Premier League without the pressure of being a starter straight away.
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