‘Sheer intensity’ – Man United target Javi Guerra is exactly what Ruben Amorim has been asking for

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Valencia midfielder Javi Guerra could be Ruben Amorim’s solution to Manchester United’s midfield issues.

Manchester United’s pre-season schedule started with a 0-0 draw against Leeds United, and Ruben Amorim wasn’t overly pleased with what he saw from his side.

Amorim spotted a “lack of pace” in midfield against Leeds, and paired with reports that Amorim wants to sign an “athletic” midfielder this summer, it came across as a transfer request to Ineos.

United have already spent over £135m on three signings this summer, but clearly Amorim feels there are some glaring flaws in his midfield department that could be covered by a new signing.

One target that has emerged this window is Valencia’s Javi Guerra.

Man United reignite interest in Javi Guerra

Earlier this summer, reports from Spain shockingly claimed Guerra was close to joining United.

As time passed, it seemed as though the reports were a ploy to help Guerra push through a new deal at Valencia, but that is no longer the case.

According to Marca, Guerra has rejected Valencia’s offer of a new contract. Now, transfer expert Graeme Bailey has told United in Focus that Guerra is emerging as United’s top midfield target.

Guerra is expected to cost around £22 million this summer, making him an affordable target for United’s relatively tight budget.

Interest in the Spanish midfielder is not particularly new, either, with United wanting Guerra last summer.

Javi Guerra has ‘sheer intensity’ like Ruben Amorim wants

Heading into the summer window, reports suggested Amorim wants players with “intensity” – it is the one trait reiterated to Ineos when discussing transfer plans.

Amorim bemoaned a lack of physicality in his United side last season, and he is trying to amend that with his transfer business. The arrivals of Patrick Dorgu, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have already made a strong start.

If it is intensity Amorim is after, Guerra is the perfect target.

ESPN scout Tor-Kristian Karlsen says: “Guerra regularly breaks lines by sheer intensity and incisive movement, and his average of 1.6 touches in the opposition box per 90 minutes ranks among the highest for central midfielders in LaLiga last season.

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“What will appeal to Premier League scouts is his combination of physical robustness and tactical awareness.”

Guerra has been compared to Kaka for his style of play, and Amorim will be excited by the idea of adding another athletic and relentless midfielder to his ranks.