Bruno Fernandes’ international teammate not ‘fashionable enough’ for Man United, agent insists Ineos missed out

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Manchester United frustratingly missed out on signing a new midfielder over the summer transfer window.

The top priority in the summer was to add goals to Ruben Amorim’s side, and in Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko, Manchester United now have a new front three.

After that, attention turned towards strengthening the midfield with United linked to Carlos Baleba towards the latter stages of the window.

United were lining up a bid for Baleba but ultimately decided to walk away following Brighton’s £100m demand.

Links to Adam Wharton also emerged as United shopped around for a midfielder, but in the end, the window slammed shut without any reinforcements.

Man United told they should have signed Joao Palhinha

Amorim wanted more athleticism in midfield, and a replacement for Casemiro will be needed sooner rather than later as the Brazilian is in the final year of his contract.

A defensive-minded midfielder will be a top priority in 2026, and via The Athletic, United have been told they missed out on a potential bargain deal.

20 football agents were surveyed by The Athletic, and one suggested that United should have made a move for Palhinha this summer.

“Joao Palhinha to Tottenham,” said an agent. “I think he’s top-drawer. Manchester United should have been signing him. But he’s probably not fashionable enough.”

Palhinha made a £47m move from Fulham to Bayern Munich in 2024, before returning to the Premier League to join Tottenham on loan this summer.

Joao Palhinha was linked to Man United

Over the summer, United considered a move for Palhinha, but ultimately walked away from the opportunity as they wanted a different profile of player.

Palhinha was wanted by Erik ten Hag as well, but he instead decided to join Bayern Munich where he struggled to make an impact.

Before making his move to Fulham, Palhinha played under Ruben Amorim at Sporting Lisbon, and the Portuguese pair are good friends. However, Amorim decided to turn down a move for the midfielder.

READ MORE: Ruben Amorim offered reunion with £43m star at Man United, but Sir Jim Ratcliffe could block it

Ineos have preferred to sign young and promising players since taking charge of United’s transfer business, and at 30 years old, Palhinha hardly fits into that mould.

Expect a midfielder to be signed in 2026, but Ineos will likely stick to their strategy and target a younger player.