Ruben Amorim has been told that one potential signing, who is perfect for Manchester United, would unlock Bruno Fernandes next season.
After a disappointing season, Manchester United have prioritised strengthening their attack early in the summer transfer window.
Matheus Cunha has already joined the club, and talks with Brentford over Bryan Mbeumo are progressing, with a deal expected to be completed soon.
Once reinforcements up front are secured for Ruben Amorim, United will turn their attention to other key areas—most notably central midfield.
Several players have been linked to fill the role, with a strong emphasis on adding the kind of athleticism that has been lacking from the likes of Casemiro.
Amorim told £25m signing is perfect for United
One of the midfielders United have been linked with is Bayern Munich’s Joao Palhinha, who has struggled in Germany since his arrival from Fulham.
United were interested in Palhinha before that move and while he ideally wants to stay in the Bundesliga, Bayern are reportedly open to selling him at around £25 million.
Ex-United coach Rene Meulensteen believes that the 29-year-old is the perfect signing for Amorim and also thinks that he would bring the best out of club captain Bruno Fernandes.
“Joao Palhinha is exactly the type of player that Manchester United need. I wasn’t surprised when he moved from Fulham to Bayern because I thought he was outstanding,” said Meulensteen.
“He was outstanding in making interceptions but also on the ball he was very, very good. It’s been a bit of a surprise that he hasn’t clicked there, but sometimes that happens in football.
“Palhinha is the type of player that has Premier League experience and can play the role they need. Bruno Fernandes is a free spirit and in having him deeper you stifle his creativity which is his biggest weapon.
“He sees runs that nobody else sees, there was a clear link between him and Marcus Rashford in that sense and to a lesser extent with Alejandro Garnacho.
“That was gone out the window with Ruben Amorim’s system, the full-backs have to come from too deep and they can’t cover the distance. Having Palhinha will help Bruno get further forward, then the system needs to allow runners too.”
United do need the right Fernandes partner
Whether it is Palhinha or not, Meulensteen is right that the Reds need to find the right partner for Fernandes, who looks set to be playing deeper next season
Manuel Ugarte roams too often and isn’t good enough on the ball while the doubts around Casemiro are mainly about his physical ability at the highest level.
Kobbie Mainoo could be a good option if he proves to have improved his athleticism in the off-season but a new signing has to also have the right attributes.
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There is no use having Fernandes holding the hand of his midfield partner. He needs to be afforded the licence to get forward and do some damage in the final third despite playing in the pivot.
Meulensteen was speaking to YaySweepstakes.com.
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