Ruben Amorim will hang on to any positive he can get at this wretched moment for Man Utd and the upcoming January window provides a small one.
Manchester United’s financial situation is precarious so it would be foolish to expect any massive transfers barring a big sale but that’s where intelligence comes in.
Potential bargains, free transfers, smart loans, and potentially swap deals, if applicable, need to be used to start the fine-tuning process that should pick up pace in the summer.
Fortunately, Fabrizio Romano has given United an update that makes it much easier to do at least one deal in January, he solves a problem position too!
Fabrizio Romano’s Danilo transfer update
Just one glance at the Man Utd squad makes it clear where the biggest hole in the team is- left wing-back, where Diogo Dalot huffs and puffs admirably.
The Portuguese gives his all every game but at times, it’s painfully obvious that it’s not his best position, and that hurts the team balance.
However, in the long run, that position is best filled by an attack-minded winger rather than a defensive fullback so United need to target a different profile there.
What they do need to add to the team is some top-level experience, especially in a backline that is set to undergo massive changes in the summer.
Noussair Mazraoui has had to change positions multiple times during a single game and Leny Yoro is being brought along carefully.
Victor Lindelof is likely to leave Man Utd and so is Jonny Evans in the summer. That is where Danilo comes in. At 33, he’s not the perfect long-term signing to form the spine of the team but precisely the kind of player who raises standards in the dressing room and acts as a leader on the pitch.
Romano has revealed that after the latest snub, the Brazilian captain is “completely out” of Juventus’ plans and available on the January market.
Danilo will give Ruben Amorim options
Besides his obvious pedigree and leadership, Danilo’s versatility will give Amorim options, as the Brazilian can play as a centre-back or right-back.
In Amorim’s system, the right-sided centre-back role will be perfect for him which will allow Yoro to learn from one of the best while coming into his own away from the spotlight.
A cut-price deal in January should be explored on a short-term contract because, for a team whose mentality has been questioned pretty much every game, the addition of Brazil’s captain is certainly a statement move.
It’s the ideal short-term marriage that suits every party involved- Juventus get rid of a player they don’t want, United get some experience and versatility, and as a side note, it could grease the wheels for a potential Joshua Zirkzee deal too, if there’s interest.
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