It is impossible to judge the quality of Manchester United’s squad right now because they’ve just followed the worst run of form with a remarkable result.
Coming into the Liverpool game on the back of a four-game losing streak, they somehow put in their best performance in ages at Anfield to score a 2-2 draw that could’ve been more.
However, Bruno Fernandes and Ruben Amorim were upset after the game as to why the team couldn’t put in such performances on a weekly basis.
Ruben Amorim won’t be fooled by this display and the need for reinforcements will remain clear as long as United want to reach their full potential.
It is fortunate then that they hold a trump card in their bid to sign the “best player of his generation”, alongside Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe who’s also increasingly likely to leave.
Dusan Vlahovic ‘increasingly likely’ to leave Juventus
Even in United’s best victories under Ruben Amorim, a sore thing has stuck out which is their inability to take the chances created, directly leading to pressure on the defence.
The defence knows they have to be perfect every game for the team to have a winning chance because the attack just doesn’t score with regularity.
Even against Liverpool, it looked like a case of more of the same as Rasmus Hojlund and Amad missed big chances to send United into halftime with a lead.
As such, it’s no surprise that a new striker is on the agenda at Old Trafford for next summer as the squad starts taking shape in Amorim’s image.
CaughtOffside reports that United are closely monitoring the situation of Dusan Vlahovic at Juventus, whose contract situation means he’s ‘increasingly likely’ to leave.
The report states that the Serbian is no closer to signing a new contract, prompting Juventus to hold a meeting over his future in February. A price tag of £54 million is mooted.
Arsenal have also been credited with an interest but Man United hold a big trump card that should make them favourites for Vlahovic’s signature.
Man Utd’s trump card in Vlahovic transfer chase
Vlahovic, who was once hailed by Massimiliano Allegri has one the “best players of his generation” alongside Haaland and Mbappe, would be quite a coup for United.
At 24, his age profile fits right in line with Ineos’ philosophy of young players but also experienced in terms of matches and profile of games they’ve played.
If Juventus are willing to sell, there will be a queue for his signature so any leg-up United might have in the battle will be huge.
In the form of Joshua Zirkzee, they have the biggest trump card that could set them apart in the chase for Vlahovic’s signature.
Juventus have been linked to Zirkzee, with their head coach Thiago Motta a huge fan of the player, having managed his breakout at Bologna last season.
Zirkzee has found it tough to get going at Old Trafford after a sensational debut and recently reached his nadir at the club when he was cheered off by fans vs Newcastle.
United fans welcomed him warmly vs Liverpool but doubts remain over his suitability at the club as well as in Amorim’s system. If he can grease the wheels for a potential Vlahovic transfer, every party stands to benefit.
Zirkzee will be back under the manager who uses him perfectly which will benefit Juventus, and United will get a more ruthless scorer who fits Amorim’s methods perfectly.
This one should happen if there’s willingness from all sides to do a deal because the tactical and financial fit makes perfect sense.
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