In an attempt to solve one of their biggest problems, Manchester United are now reportedly willing to submit a big-money offer to sign a Real Madrid star in 2026.
Ruben Amorim sack update
Having been handed the benefit of the doubt last season, Ruben Amorim simply had to get off to a good start in the current campaign. After just one win in four Premier League games and a shock Carabao Cup defeat at the hands of Grimsby Town, however, time is running out for the former Sporting Club boss to save his job at Old Trafford.
Reports are now suggesting that he has just three games to turn things around and keep hold of his position. That would mean that this weekend’s clash against rivals Chelsea, next weekend’s trip to face Brentford and then the visit of Sunderland are all must-not-lose games for the Red Devils. Failure to avoid defeat, especially against Brentford and Sunderland, may leave INEOS with no choice but to bid farewell to Amorim.
Whether those reports spark a change in system at Man United is the big question. Amorim was adamant once again last weekend that the problem is not with the system and when asked whether he would change it, he told reporters: “I’m not going to change. When I want to change my philosophy, I will change. If not, you have to change the man.”
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The solution could, instead, be to bolster his system with further reinforcements, with transfer reports already indicating the big-money target that Man United have set their sights on for 2026.
Man Utd willing to bid £87m for Valverde
According to reports in Spain, Man United and INEOS are now willing to submit an offer to sign Federico Valverde from Real Madrid worth as much as €100m (£87m) in 2026.
The impressive midfielder would be an instant upgrade on Manuel Ugarte and would finally provide Amorim with the technician that he needs to make his double pivot work. Whether the Real Madrid star decides to ditch the Spanish giants for a side in turmoil remains to be seen, however.
Minutes
3,032
1,785
Progressive Passes P90
6.71
3.08
Goals
6
1
Ball Recoveries P90
5.16
6.16
When compared, it’s Valverde’s passing ability and knack for goals that stands out, whilst Ugarte’s struggles to do the same represent why his Man United career is yet to take off.
In the Real Madrid man, United would be signing one of the best midfielders that European football has to offer and those in Spain have been well aware of that for some time.
Full of praise for Valverde, former Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti said: “I make the decisions, but the player is always available. He never asks for anything. That is his strength, and that’s why I believe he’s arguably the most complete player in football. He could even play as a center-back without any problem.”