Liverpool open talks to sign “brilliant” United target in January, he would be unreal in Amorim’s system – report

Manchester United are working to return to their heyday under Ruben Amorim, who took charge at the Theatre of Dreams in November 2024. After a disappointing 2024/25 season, in which they finished 15th in the Premier League table, the Red Devils are showing signs of revival this campaign. Amorim’s side are seventh in the league table after 13 games, three points behind Aston Villa in fourth place. Central to their recent rise has been a well-worked summer transfer window, where INEOS strengthened both the attack and goalkeeping department. United’s minority owners have implemented a stable football structure at Old Trafford and are progressing in a planned manner. Next on the Red Devils’ agenda is the midfield, although defensive reinforcements cannot be ruled out in 2026. United need succession plans in defence United have signed the likes of Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro, Noussair Mazraoui and Ayden Heaven over the past 18 months to bolster their backline. However, with Harry Maguire out of contract next summer and set to turn 33 in March, further reinforcements are necessary. Meanwhile, Lisandro Martinez has struggled with injuries in recent seasons, and Luke Shaw is also on the wrong side of 30. A recent report relayed by The Peoples Person states that United are eyeing Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi. The Englishman was close to joining Liverpool this summer before the move broke down at the eleventh hour. However, Guehi’s contract expires at the end of this season, and he is yet to sign a new deal. The 25 year old remains indispensable for the Eagles, and has made 12 appearances in the Premier League this season, all of which were starts. Marc Guehi Premier League Stats: 2025/26 MetricValue Appearances12 Goals1 Assists1 XG0.86 XA0.84 Shots On Target Inside the Box4 Touches in the Opposition Box19 Hit Woodwork2 Crosses (Completed %)4 (25%) Passes (Completed %)614 (86%) Long Passes (Completed %)71 (39%) Corners Taken1 Minutes Played1,080 Dribbles (Completed %)3 (33%) Duels Won69 Aerial Duels Won30 Total Tackles23 Interceptions14 Blocks3 Red Cards0 Yellow Cards2 Fouls11 Source: Premier League Website.Guehi could be a fine option to replace Maguire at Old Trafford, and his contract situation also suits United’s finances. With the club expected to route all their resources towards strengthening the midfield in 2026, the player’s possible availability on a Bosman move could be a godsend. However, prising him away will not be easy, with another report from The Peoples Person suggesting that Liverpool are likely to be in the race. An update on the saga has now emerged. Liverpool want Guehi in January According to TEAMtalk, the Merseyside club are already engaged in talks with Guehi’s entourage to secure his signature in January. “Liverpool have reopened direct talks with Marc Guehi’s representatives this week as they attempt to steal a march on Real Madrid and bring the Crystal Palace captain to Anfield in January, sources have revealed to TEAMtalk.” “Sources indicate the Reds are willing to offer between £25-30m next month – significantly below Palace’s £70m demands from January 2025, but enough to give the south London club money to reinvest rather than losing their skipper for nothing in seven months’ time.” “Guehi himself is understood to be open to the move after agreeing terms in the summer. The England star has already rejected two contract offers from Palace and is attracted by the prospect of Champions League football and a central role in Slot’s project.” The update will be a huge blow to United’s plans, although they could move on to alternate targets like Nico Schlotterbeck. Final Thoughts United have found success with their strategy of adding Premier League-proven quality to their squad this summer, with both Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha hitting the ground running. The Red Devils would have been hoping to follow the same route with Guehi, so the latest developments will not please the Old Trafford hierarchy. Maguire, meanwhile, remains a key figure in the squad, and is one of the most experienced players available to Amorim. As such, there is also a chance that United end up handing him a new deal. Featured image Julian Finney 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 Deepungsu Pandit Deepungsu has been a Manchester United fan since 2000. In his playing days, he was an attacking midfielder with a proclivity for the back heel. Right now, however, he prefers to operate as a regista. Deepungsu has been writing about the Red Devils, Football, and other things since 2009. He has worked for over seven years with Sportskeeda, writing football reviews, opinions and news articles. Deepungsu also maintains a blog, The Thinking Me, where he writes about life and things that interest him. His favourite Manchester United player is Paul Scholes.