Judgement on Ruben Amorim’s spell as Manchester United manager has been held back, after the 40-year-old took the reins at Old Trafford midway through the previous campaign.
He joined the club in November 2024, leaving Sporting CP to take the reins after Erik ten Hag was dismissed from the role after a dismal start to the season.
However, this window has been the first chance for the boss to make his own stamp on the first-team squad – already spending big money in his quest for Premier League success.
Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko and Bryan Mbeumo have all joined the Red Devils, with the attacking trio setting the hierarchy back around £200m this window.
Despite the big-money additions, other areas of the pitch are set for further investment, undoubtedly helping the manager be a success during his tenure at the club.
United’s pursuit of Carlos Baleba & Adam Wharton
The midfield area of the pitch has been the latest on United’s shortlist, resulting in Brighton star Carlos Baleba being the main name touted with a move to Old Trafford.
The 21-year-old, who made 34 appearances in England’s top-flight last campaign, had previously held talks with Amorim’s side, but no deal could be completed for his signature.
The Seagulls were demanding a £100m fee to part with the Cameroonian, but changed their stance, stating the youngster wasn’t for sale at any price during the summer window.
Such a decision has seen attention being turned towards Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton, but a deal for the Englishman would also cost a pretty penny, given his tender age.
At just 21, he’s already made seismic waves in the Premier League, even being named in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the European Championships back in 2024.
His current employers are also demanding a fee in the region of £100m to offload the midfielder, with such a sum evidently too much, resulting in various other options being considered by the hierarchy.
The latest on United’s hunt for a new midfielder this summer
In an attempt to bolster the midfield, United have since turned their attention to Sevilla star Lucien Agoume over recent days, offering the side a cheaper alternative compared to the aforementioned targets.
It’s been reported that the LaLiga outfit are currently demanding a fee in the region of £35m for the 23-year-old, who made 37 appearances in all competitions throughout 2024/25.
However, he’s not the only Frenchman currently in their sights, with the Red Devils also closely monitoring a move for Real Madrid star Eduardo Camavinga, according to one Spanish outlet.
They claim that Amorim’s side are preparing a £69m bid to land the 22-year-old star, who could be an immediate and long-term option at the heart of the side.
It also states that Xabi Alonso’s side could be open to allowing the former Rennes star to depart before the transfer deadline, but it’s unclear if the player would be open to a switch to Old Trafford.
Why United’s target would be a better signing than Baleba & Wharton
Given their experience in England’s top-flight, supporters may prefer any deal to land Baleba and Wharton this summer, but they could cost the hierarchy a pretty penny.
Deals in isolation could prove to be worth it, but given the money splashed elsewhere, cheaper alternatives will have to be considered if the side are to land the reinforcements they crave.
Options such as Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte have often failed to deliver when called upon, as seen by the Uruguayan’s speculative effort in the defeat against Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.
Bruno Fernandes will operate in a deep-lying position, but he will need a partner alongside him at the heart of the side if they are to have any chance of success in 2025/26.
A deal for Camavinga would provide just that, with the Frenchman a cheaper alternative than the pair, but also a more experienced one in the club’s hunt for future success.
Despite the Frenchman’s tender age, he’s already racked up 41 Champions League appearances, having the ability to offer top-level European experience – that’s if the Red Devils manage to qualify for such a competition under Amorim.
When delving into his stats from the previous campaign, he managed to produce numerous impressive numbers that rank him among Europe’s elite.
Games played
19
Goals & assists
3
Pass accuracy
88%
Progressive passes
4.9
Progressive carries
2.2
Tackles entered
3.4
Interceptions made
1.5
Blocks made
2.1
Aerials won
1.6
According to FBref, Camavinga ranked in the 98th percentile for tackles made in LaLiga last season, whilst also in the 96th percentile for blocks made – leading to Raj Chohan labelling him a “monster”.
Such numbers are simply superb, undoubtedly handing Amorim the ball-winner he’s desperately craved, which could free up Fernandes to operate in a free role at the heart of the side.
However, in possession, the Madrid star was just as impressive, completing 88% of the passes he attempted, with 4.9 of his efforts being labelled as progressive – having the tools to provide the new additions ahead of him the chance to impress.
His talents are further reflected in his tally of 1.6 aerials won per 90, also putting him in the 87th percentile, an asset that could make him a key threat at both ends of the pitch.
£69m would be an excellent price for a young star with bags of experience at the very top of the European game, having the chance to improve further, given his tender age.
The difference between Camavinga and the likes of Baleba and Wharton is truly staggering, with United making a better addition should they land the Frenchman, given his career achievements up to now.