Xabi Alonso has clarified rumours surrounding Eduardo Camavinga’s Real Madrid future, and it’s a telling message to Rúben Amorim amid Manchester United’s interest.
Manchester United are expected to strengthen their midfield this summer, with Rúben Amorim yet to add a new face in that area since taking charge in November 2024.
The Portuguese coach typically sets up with a two-man midfield, using Kobbie Mainoo, Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro, and Manuel Ugarte, while also noting that Mason Mount could fill the role if required.
However, with Casemiro’s deal expiring at the end of the season and uncertainty surrounding the long-term futures of Mainoo, Ugarte, and Fernandes, United will be forced to bring in reinforcements.
Brighton’s Carlos Baleba has been strongly linked, though his £100 million valuation and the club’s need for several signings mean alternative targets are also under consideration.
United hit with Camavinga transfer response
Last week, reports emerged that United were one of several clubs monitoring the situation of Eduardo Camavinga, who has fallen down the pecking order at Real Madrid due to injury and the presence of talented options ahead of him.
United are well known to be firm admirers of the 22-year-old Frenchman, and would not doubt entertain a deal if one became possible. However, amid United’s interest, Los Blancos boss Xavi Alonso has confirmed that he wishes to keep the midfielder and work with him.
“I’m excited because he hasn’t been with us for so long,” Alonso told club media when speaking about Camavinga’s long-term role in the team.
“I know him from having seen him play, but I’m looking forward to working with him. I think he has huge potential and lots of qualities.
“Within the collective project, there are individual projects, and he’s one of them.
“What he’s done so far is important, but he still has a long way to go. He’s eager and motivated. Individually, he has very different qualities. From the ‘6’ position, with his dribbling, he can get into the final third. He’s not static, he’s dynamic.”
Alonso’s response to Amorim interest is telling
Further in the initial report, it was stated that Amorim is a keen admirer of the former Rennes starlet, but Alonso’s words send a clear message that he plans to keep and play the midfielder this season.
Interestingly, the Spaniard’s description of Camavinga echoes many of the attributes that Mainoo already possesses at Old Trafford, suggesting that Amorim may not need to try and secure the £70 million-rated asset from Real Madrid.
Mainoo has shown this season that, when he plays deeper, he is fantastic at collecting the ball, working his way out of a tight space, and driving the ball forward, with his cameo against Manchester City a perfect example of this.
With Casemiro suspended for the upcoming weekend fixture against Brentford, this is the perfect chance for the 20-year-old to be handed his first Premier League start of the season and help convince Amorim that, maybe, a signing such as Camavinga may not be needed alongside Baleba.
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