There is a famous 2013 quote from the then Manchester United manager, David Moyes, that “United must improve in a number of areas, including passing, creating chances and defending.”
After a horror season mitigated only by a shock FA Cup win, Moyes’ words were never more true, and while a centre back and striker must be the top priorities on the summer transfer market, central midfield cannot be far behind.
With Donny van de Beek still in the wilderness, Sofyan Amrabat having failed to impress on loan, Scott McTominay seemingly now only able to do a David Fairclough and Casemiro and Christian Eriksen looking like their legs have gone, poor Kobbie Mainoo is desperately in need of help in the centre of the park.
Strong reports are linking United with PSG’s Manuel Ugarte but according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the Red Devils are also exploring a move for another South American, Jõao Gomes.
Romano told GiveMeSport that “”He’s one of many players being scouted, but not just by Manchester United.
“Many clubs have been scouting and following him, so let’s see who is going to really present a proposal or try to open negotiations with Wolves. At the moment, there is still nothing imminent.”
With talks at a much more advanced stage for Ugarte, Gomes, who is currently starring for Brazil in the Copa America and whose hero is Casemiro, therefore seems to be Plan B.
United were credited with an interest in the Wolves man back in March, but were reportedly told at the time that they would have to pay “considerably more than £40 million” to prise him away from Molineux.
This could be the reason they shifted their attention, first to Benfica wonderkid João Neves, who in turn looks to have been priced out of the market at over €100 million, and then Ugarte.
It is highly unlikely that United would pursue both Ugarte and Gomes, although the aforementioned midfield crisis would certainly suggest there is a need for a minimum of two additions.
The fact is simply that there are too many priority areas and too little wiggle room with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) to spend huge amounts of money.
Interestingly, Amrabat also still seems to remain a possibility despite now having returned to Fiorentina.
Improved performances at the end of the season offered a glimmer of hope that he could persuade United to make his loan permanent and his continued presence on the team roster on the club’s official website, wearing the new kit, has made many fans curious about his future.
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