Manchester United were beaten 2-0 by Arsenal and 3-2 at home to Nottingham Forest in successive games and Ruben Amorim may now be tempted to bring in recruits in January to strengthen his struggling side
There’s only a couple of weeks before Manchester United can make signings in the January transfer window and it seems Ruben Amorim will be keen on at least a couple of new arrivals.
The Portuguese boss has failed to win three of his first six games and he should have a pretty good idea of which areas need strengthening after some questionable recent performances.
Amorim’s side were beaten 2-0 by Arsenal and 3-2 at home to Nottingham Forest in successive games – while they beat Czech minnows Viktoria Plzen by the skin of their teeth after a 2-1 win.
Amorim has deployed a 3-4-3 system since replacing Erik ten Hag this year and he’ll be eager to bring in specific players who are more suited to his philosophy ahead of their trip to Manchester City. Here, Mirror Football rounds up the latest Manchester United transfer news.
Carragher urges United to sell Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes has been one of United’s best players in a difficult season after scoring five goals and laying on nine assists, often lifting the team in their darkest moments.
The Portuguese playmaker only signed a new contract extension in the summer after admitting there was a possibility he could leave, but Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher feels now be the right time to cash in on the 30-year-old.
“A dilemma also looms with Bruno Fernandes,” he wrote in his Telegraph column. “Unlike [Marcus] Rashford, Fernandes has been one of United’s best players during a tough period and would have shone with more quality around him during his Old Trafford career.
“But he is 30 now and there may be value in offloading him to raise funds. I’ve always felt Fernandes is a great talent rather than a great player. He creates a lot of chances but can be very indisciplined with and without the ball.
“That makes it a lot harder for United to defend as a compact unit as he chases the ball all over the pitch. It looks like great commitment to the supporters but the manager will be tearing his hair out.”
Martin laughs off interest in Dibling
Southampton’s Tyler Dibling is proving why he is one of the Premier League’s most highly-rated youngsters after some electric displays so far this season.
The 18-year-old’s performances have led to speculation that United could be ready to make a £21m bid for the winger but that suggestion has been laughed off by Saints boss manager Russell Martin.
He insisted £21m wouldn’t even be enough to buy his left boot as he revealed attempts by the club to tie him down to a new deal.
“I was told some rumours about Man Utd, one was a bid of £21m,” Martin said. “I’m not sure you’ll get his left foot for that.
“We have offered him a contract, a really good contract for someone his age. At the minute, I don’t think his agent agrees, so that’s where we’re at.
“I think Tyler wants it done, I think Tyler’s parents want it done, so we’ll see how long that takes. There is an option. We can extend. I don’t think we want to do that – we want to reward Tyler for his performances.”
Pogba drops transfer hint
There have been plenty of claims that United might be tempted to offer Paul Pogba a third stint at Old Trafford as he prepares to complete his ban for a failed doping test – which was reduced from four years to 18 months.
The French midfielder, who has now left Juventus, re-joined United for £89m in 2016 but failed to meet lofty expectations placed on him.
Former Red Devils star Louis Saha has led the names tipping him for a return to United but now the player has hinted at his future.
This week he posted on Instagram with a timer emoji complete with a zipped mouth and winking face, suggesting he has found a new club.
The World Cup winner is permitted to start training with a new club in January but cannot play competitive football again until March.
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