Amorim wants £26m La Liga gem to forge dream United partnership with Yoro – report

As Ruben Amorim looks to take Manchester United back to the top, he must be backed with players he believes are tailor-made for his system. Indeed, last January and again in the summer, INEOS moved to secure signings they felt suited the Portuguese tactician’s system. Yet, despite those additions, United remain short of where they ought to be; there is still a sizeable gap between their current level and the standards they aspire to reach. Crucially, that gap can be narrowed if United deliver more precise and high-quality signings for Amorim. Perfect Yoro partner identified According to Teamtalk, one such signing is a £26 million move for Elche’s David Affengruber. The outlet reports: “Ruben Amorim views the 6ft 2in defender as the ideal long-term partner for Leny Yoro. United scouts have watched Affengruber on multiple occasions this season and submitted glowing reports.” Affengruber in demand Nevertheless, while the Red Devils push to secure Amorim’s preferred option, they have been warned to brace for a fierce battle. As Teamtalk adds further: “United face stiff competition to engineer a deal. Juventus, rebuilding after serious injuries, see him as a perfect fit for their back three. At the same time, Atletico Madrid are long-term admirers and believe he would thrive under Diego Simeone’s intense style. Sevilla have also registered formal interest.” Affengruber has even been described as the next Matthijs de Ligt, thanks to his composure, aerial dominance, and ability to step confidently into midfield. It is little surprise, therefore, that he has attracted such widespread interest. Rising influence in La Liga The Austrian defender has featured in all but one of Elche’s 15 league fixtures this season, underlining his consistency. He has played a pivotal role in helping the club climb to ninth in the table, proving himself a commanding presence in Spain’s top flight. David Affengruber (24yo, 🇦🇹) is showing what he’s showed all season vs RM: a composed, reliable CB whose line breaking passes help Elche bypass opp. press & transition quickly, OOP he reads the game V.👍, knowing when to step out/delay/commit to a tackle. Incredible performance. — Emmanuel Lavogez (@LaLigaLavo) November 23, 2025 Although a winter move may prove complicated, Affengruber, whose contract at Elche runs until 2027, remains firmly on the transfer radar. United motivated to win the race As rival clubs circle, United fans will hope INEOS can prevail in the race, particularly given their motivation to strengthen their backline. Affengruber would not only be the perfect partner for Leny Yoro but also a ready-made replacement for Harry Maguire. With Maguire likely to depart as a free agent next summer, the 24-year-old La Liga defensive gem could be his perfect heir. Featured image Ion Alcoba Beitia via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Daniel Onguko Dan is a writer with The Peoples Person, an avid Manchester United fan whose passion for the Red Devils evolved into writing about them. He was introduced to United back in 2008, and his love for the club has continued to grow ever since. Like every other United fan, he believes the club will soon return to its rightful place and strives to reflect that belief in his writing. While he has also written about other Premier League sides, including Arsenal for Just Arsenal and The Arsenal Analysis Blogspot, Dan lives and breathes Manchester United.