Italian newspaper claims Manchester United failed with ‘last-minute’ move to sign ‘quality’ Juventus player

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Manchester United were quiet on transfer deadline day but reports in Italy suggest one late transfer attempt fell flat.

The January transfer market is now done and dusted with Manchester United ending the window in quiet fashion.

United didn’t bring in any new faces on deadline day, leaving fans somewhat frustrated.

Mathys Tel joined Tottenham Hotspur and United’s approach for Christopher Nkunku failed as attacking pursuits proved fruitless.

United therefore end the window three signings completed, two of which have joined right away.

Ayden Heaven and Patrick Dorgu have joined United whilst Diego Leon will arrive from Cerro Porteno this summer.

• READ: Who is Patrick Dorgu? All you need to know about the Man United player’s career, playing style, value and more

Manchester United fail with late midfielder raid

Much of the rumours around deadline day surrounded the signing of a new attacker.

However, Italian newspaper Tuttosport now claim that United actually made a last-gasp move to sign Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz.

It’s stated that the ‘last-minute attempt’ from United fell flat as Juventus allowed fellow midfielder Nicolo Fagioli to join Fiorentina instead.

We covered reports in January suggesting that Luiz would have been interested in joining United if he was to leave Juventus.

Fulham and Nottingham Forest weren’t so appealing to Luiz, who only left Aston Villa and the Premier League for Juve last summer.

United were a different story for Luiz as he was seemingly attracted by the idea of playing at Old Trafford.

Juventus didn’t want to lose both Luiz and Fagioli though and have decided to keep the Brazilian despite him not quite living up to his reputation since his move to Turin.

• READ: Confirmed Manchester United transfer deals for January 2025, ins, outs, loan moves, deadline date

United should remain keen on Douglas Luiz

United seemingly missed out on Luiz this time around but should still be interested in him for the summer.

Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system means that United midfielders have to offer so much.

Strong defensively but able to contribute going forward, there is a lot of emphasis on United’s midfield duo.

Luiz could be perfect for that role having not only showed his defensive qualities but also chipped in with goals going forward.

Luiz has proven himself in the Premier League too, so there would be few worries about him playing a key role in English football.

The former Manchester City talent even caught Roy Keane’s eye at Villa, with the former United captain – who knows a thing or two about quality midfield play – praising Luiz’s quality.

“He turns up every week this player,” said Keane. “Never seems to be injured. Quality player. I like him.

“He is consistent. Turns up week in and week out. You know what you are going to get from him. I like a lot about him. Probably lacks that real pace maybe. In terms of his decision-making and looking after the ball, very, very good,” he added when speaking to Sky Sports Premier League (14/01/24, 1:45 pm).

Christian Eriksen and Casemiro will surely move on from United this summer and Luiz should be near the top of the list of potential midfield signings – if Juve can be tempted into selling.