Man Utd transfers: Ruben Amorim plans loan for youngster as defender snubs European rivals

Ruben Amorim is keen to overhaul his underperforming Manchester United squad that managed only a 15th place finish in the Premier League and he has already started on that rebuild by bringing in Matheus Cunha

Manchester United have wasted little time getting stuck into the summer transfer window as Ruben Amorim bids to urgently overhaul his struggling squad. Amorim could only guide United to a 15th place finish in the Premier League, comfortably their worst campaign since the division’s inception in 1992.

He will be eager to secure more firepower for his frontline after watching Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee struggle for confidence up front, scoring just seven goals combined in the 2024-25 Premier League season.

Amorim has already signed Matheus Cunha from Wolves through the door and is aiming to complete a deal for Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo in the coming days too.

There are a number of players whose future look uncertain – such as Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Antony, and Amorim will be hoping he can get rid of his deadwood to top up his transfer budget for the summer.

Mirror Football has taken a look through the biggest Manchester United news and rumours.

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Kone could leave on loan

United have a number of talented young players in their academy and one of the brightest stars in 19-year-old midfielder Sekou Kone, who arrived for around £1million last summer.

Kone has been thrown straight into the mix for the club’s Under-21 side, playing nine times in Premier League 2 and he’s even been named on the bench three times for Amorim’s first team.

He was involved in the squad that flew out to Asia for their post-season tour and came on twice as a substitute, but the club want him to pick up more minutes to get him up to scratch fitness wise.

According to the Manchester Evening News, United have made him available for loan in order to fast-track his progression in the hopes he becomes a first team contender in the near future.

Earlier this year, United Under-21 boss Travis Binnion said it was clear Kone was a massive talent, but that he needed more time before he was ready to compete for a spot in Amorim’s team.

Martinez rejects Napoli switch

Of all the players Amorim is willing to let go of this summer, it’s unlikely centre-back Lisandro Martinez will be one of them.

The Argentine defender is currently recovering from a long-term ACL injury and is hoping to return by September.

Martinez managed 20 starts in the Premier League, scoring twice, but couldn’t stop United’s slide down the table. He is now said to be of interest to Serie A side Napoli, who have just won the Serie A under Antonio Conte.

Napoli would be able to offer Martinez Champions League football this season, but according to the Daily Mail the 27-year-old is not interested in the move.

The report claims Martinez is “determined” to stay and succeed at Old Trafford, even if he is handed more opportunities to play in Europe’s elite competition this summer.

It says Napoli had been exploring opportunities to find bargain deals and were hoping to take advantage of United’s willingness to sell players.

But Martinez is seen as a reliable senior member of Amorim’s dressing room and the club are hoping he can help lead a revival under the Portuguese boss this season.

Gyokeres drops hint on future

Viktor Gyokeres has been linked with Manchester United ever since Amorim arrived at Old Trafford after his incredible goalscoring exploits for Sporting Lisbon.

There is no doubt that Gyokeres would dramatically change the club’s fortunes after he smashed in 53 goals in all competitions, the highest total of any striker in Europe’s top leagues.

His performances have led to a string of clubs competing for his signature, with Arsenal and United said to be the leading contenders.

However, the Red Devils may have hurt their chances of signing the player after failing to qualify for the Champions League – or any European competition whatsoever – handing the advantage to Arsenal.

In any case, Gyokeres appears to have handed any interested party a blow by admitting he was “at home” in Lisbon.

The former Coventry striker told Vogue Scandinavia, via A Bola: “In Swedish culture, people work hard during the week and if they want to do something, they do it on the weekend,” Gyokeres revealed to Vogue Scandinavia via Portuguese outlet A Bola.

“Here, people also make the most of the weekdays. They come over with friends on Monday or any other day of the week, have dinner and a glass of wine.

“In Sweden, that’s rare. That’s the big difference. Lisbon is one of the best cities in Europe… I feel at home.”

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