Ruben Amorim’s transfer wishlist as Alan Shearer demands EIGHT Man Utd signings

Ruben Amorim is desperate to land some new players in the summer transfer window when he will finally have a chance to build is own Manchester United squad after a poor first campaign

As the season draws to a close, Manchester United stand on the brink of a crucial summer transfer window. United know that after years of overpaying for underperforming players, they have to get things right if they are to take steps forward with Ruben Amorim next season.

The club has a terrible record in the transfer market, having racked up a staggering net spend of €1.3billion (£1.08bn) since 2015 – more than any other side in the world – which has contributed to them posting losses before tax of £312.9m over the past three seasons. Sir Jim Ratcliffe has made it clear that such wasteful spending won’t be tolerated any more, which is why United are preparing to offload six stars to fund their summer reinforcements.

Much will depend on their fate in the Europa League, where they face Athletic Bilbao in the first leg of their semi-final next week. Win the competition and United will book their place in next season’s Champions League, which will provide a significant financial boost and help attract top players.

United chief executive Omar Berrada has insisted there is money to spend in the summer. “It is about planning properly for the summer transfer window and having a clear idea of what players we want to bring in,” he told TNT Sports last month.

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“We’re making some big efforts to get us in the best financial position. Even if we’re outside of Europe – I think we will be in a position to invest in the squad.”

That is just as well, because Alan Shearer believes United need a complete overhaul, with the potential addition of £62.5m Wolves striker Matheus Cunha not enough to turn things around. “[He] wouldn’t make a difference for Man United – they’re going to need another six or seven players on top of that,” Shearer said. “He’s just one of the players, if it is going to happen, but yeah I get it and I understand it.”

Amorim may well agree with Shearer’s verdict after working with the United squad for six months. Cunha won’t be the only attacking arrival this summer, with a £30m move for Ipswich striker Liam Delap also on the cards. The youngster has 12 Premier League goals this season and could play ahead of Cunha in Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 formation.

Another option up front is Victor Osimhen, who is poised to leave Napoli after a decent spell on loan with Galatasaray. The Nigeria international is a much more experienced and proven player than Delap, but would cost more in terms of transfer fee and wages.

The spending won’t stop there, though. Mirror Football understands that Amorim wants a goalkeeper and a central midfielder as top priorities this summer, with Andre Onana far from convincing in between the posts.

Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa is of interest, although United could be blown out of the water by rivals Manchester City. Mirror Football understands that City chiefs are ready to step up their interest, with Costa seen as an ideal replacement for Ederson. He has a £63m release clause written into his contract, but City hope to negotiate down to £50m.

United could therefore be forced to pursue cheaper alternatives. Senne Lammens of Antwerp and Lille’s Lucas Chevalier are among the left-field names linked with a summer transfer.

Central midfield is an important area that needs reinforcements, with Christian Eriksen and Casemiro possible exits. RB Leipzig star Xavi Simons has been linked with United, but is reportedly valued at £69m by the German side after joining them permanently for £43m.

The Dutchman is an attacking midfielder, whereas Atalanta’s Ederson is a more box-to-box option in the centre of the park. United have been linked with the Brazilian previously and the 25-year-old is expected to attract plenty of attention once more, with City another club monitoring his progress. United could use struggling striker Rasmus Hojlund as a makeweight in a deal, perhaps sending the Dane back to Atalanta on loan.

United have been linked with a few exciting attackers who could play as a No.10 in Amorim’s system. One of those names is Tyler Dibling, who has been the only bright light in a dreadful season for Southampton. Saints are well aware of the interest and have slapped a £100m price tag on him – and it has been reported that United will only enter the race should they qualify for the Champions League.

According to a recent report, United are also interested in signing James McAtee from rivals City. McAtee has caught the eye after being given a few opportunities of late and could be allowed to leave if City pursue Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz or Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White.

Lyon attacker Rayan Cherki, 21, scored in both legs against United and would be available for £20m, while Francisco Trincao is another player who the club likes. Trincao previously worked with Amorim at Braga and Sporting Lisbon and has a £50m release clause.

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In defence, United are among the clubs interested in Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez. The Hungary international is being pursued by Liverpool, but would also be a good fit for United, given Luke Shaw’s ongoing fitness struggles and Tyrell Malacia’s pending exit in the summer window. However, considering £25m was spent on Patrick Dorgu in January, left-back isn’t a priority.

The same cannot be said for central defence, where Amorim has been undermined by the lack of availability of key players. Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, Jonny Evans and January signing Ayden Heaven have all been injured at times this season and a new arrival could be needed, with Evans and Victor Lindelof set to leave when their contracts expire on June 30.

Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite is a long-term target, but is in the same category as Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen and Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi: won’t come cheap. Sporting defenders Goncalo Inacio and Ousmane Diomande might be more realistic, given Amorim’s knowledge of the players.

Much will depend on how much United can earn from selling loanees Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Antony and Malacia, or if they decide to cash in on the likes of Alejandro Garnacho.

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