Manchester United are unlikely to make a big splash in the January transfer window but Ruben Amorim has one lofty target in mind.
January is here and that means plenty of transfer rumours swirling around.
It’s not often that we see Manchester United completing significant business in January windows though.
Last January came and went with no new arrivals whilst previous January windows featured the likes of Jack Butland, Wout Weghorst, Marcel Sabitzer and Odion Ighalo.
Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo were two big-name additions in January 2020 and 2021 respectively, but this largely hasn’t been a big window for United.
This year is no different; Ruben Amorim isn’t expecting a busy January window with United needing some sales to unlock incoming business.
Manchester United hold transfer discussions
Amorim is no doubt aware though that this United squad needs some significant business.
United’s 2-2 draw at Liverpool on Sunday was an improvement but United have a long, long way to go.
United need players to suit Amorim’s 3-4-3 formation and a new left wing back appears to be a priority.
Luke Shaw is injured again and Tyrell Malacia is wanted by Juventus amid a lack of opportunities.
United now have a dream target in mind for that left wing back role.
Reports in France last month suggested that United have launched an offer for Nuno Mendes amid doubts over his Paris Saint-Germain future.
Mendes is inside the final 18 months of his contract in the French capital and could be sold before he runs his deal down.
The Telegraph now claim that ‘several discussions’ have now been held as United attempt to bring Mendes to Old Trafford.
It’s stated that United are ‘pushing’ to sign Mendes and will hope to convince PSG to cash in now.
United would still need players to move on in order to fund such a move with PSG demanding £41.5million for Mendes, according to reports.
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Nuno Mendes on Ruben Amorim
United backed Erik ten Hag with a number of his former Ajax players and must be wary not to go too far in that direction again.
Mendes is one of Amorim’s former Sporting players though and made his debut under the now-United boss in 2020.
Mendes reacted to Amorim’s United move in November, predicting that he will achieve big things at Old Trafford.
“I think I just have to congratulate him,” said Mendes. “I think he is a coach who has done everything for football and is having great success in football. But I think he has the potential to do much more than what he has already done.
“I just want to wish him the best of luck, both to him and to the [Portuguese] players and coaches abroad. I think it is very important [that Amorim succeeds at Man United] and that is all I have to say,” he added.
It’s clear that Mendes has huge respect and admiration for Amorim and, in truth, that would be the driving factor behind any move.
Mendes is one of the top young left backs in the game and would be joining a United side with no Champions League football this season or next season – unless Amorim goes on a winning run in 2025.
Amorim’s pull could land Mendes and with discussions taking place, there is a glimmer of hope for a January deal.
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