Amorim vetoed United’s deal to re-sign highly sought-after defender in winter transfer window – report

Manchester United reportedly shifted their focus from Alvaro Carreras to Patrick Dorgu because of Ruben Amorim.

Among many other things, Amorim’s arrival highlighted the lack of attacking full-backs at Old Trafford, as the Portuguese tactician’s 3-4-3 formation relies heavily on its wing-backs to create width and chances in the final third.

Accordingly, United were linked with several full-backs heading into the winter transfer window.

Carreras emerged as the most serious candidate, owing to his brilliant performances for Benfica in the Portuguese league and the Champions League.

The Red Devils reportedly also have a buy-back option believed to be in the region of £20 million for their former defender. As such, he was viewed as a financially appealing target.

However, United eventually signed Dorgu from Leece to address their flanks, ending any speculation of Carreras’s possible return in January.

According to O Jogo (via Sport Witness), the Mancunians were leading the race at one point for the Spaniard, who has also attracted interest from the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona in the Spaniard’s services.

Still, Amorim preferred to sign Dorgu over the United academy product, leading to the Premier League giants abandoning their pursuit of the Benfica star.

Having said that, Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui’s recent underwhelming performances could force Amorim to further strengthen the flanks.

The pair impressed under Erik ten Hag, owing to their technical prowess and tendency to move inside the pitch. 

However, under Amorim, both Dalot and Mazraoui have struggled physically to get up and down the pitch as wing-backs.

Should United decide to sign another attacking full-back, Carreras could yet again emerge as a solid option, especially since Dorgu is versatile enough to play as a right-sided wing-back, and could thus vacate the left-flank for the Spain U21 international.

Featured image Gualter Fatia via Getty Images

Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social