“Not aware of anything”: Manager plays down United’s £44m January swoop for Samba star

Manchester United are widely expected to strengthen their midfield ahead of 2026. Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro have managed to steady Ruben Amorim’s engine room, but the pair remain without competent alternatives. Kobbie Mainoo, earmarked as the Fernandes understudy, has so far failed to convince Amorim that he can be trusted with a key role. Meanwhile, Manuel Ugarte, brought in as Casemiro’s deputy, has struggled to prove himself a worthy replacement for the Brazilian veteran. Indeed, United would be wise to recruit top-level midfielders to secure more reliable options. Dynamic midfielders continue to be linked, but most targets will not come cheap, and INEOS may find it challenging to pull off a midfield deal in January. While moves for the likes of Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba, and Elliot Anderson appear unlikely this winter, reports have recently emerged suggesting United have identified Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Joao Gomes as a more affordable target. It has been claimed that the Red Devils believe a £44 million bid could be enough to land the Samba star. Yet, as speculation mounts over whether United will submit an offer, Wolves have now directly addressed the transfer rumours. Edwards on Gomes’ exit links Speaking to the media ahead of Wolves’ clash with Crystal Palace, the Wanderers’ new head coach, Rob Edwards, was asked about the 24-year-old’s future. “We’ve spoken about stuff, but my focus has been on getting the team organised. We have got some good players and there will always be interest, but I’m not aware of anything. Joao has been excellent this week,” Edwards said as per Molineux News. His admission comes just a day after The People Person relayed reports that relegation-threatened Wolves would attempt to resist cashing in on Gomes in January. Perfect Casemiro replacement Whether these revelations prompt United to cool their interest remains to be seen. However, there is little doubt about Gomes’ qualities. The versatile South American has earned a reputation as a “pitbull” for his relentless work rate, tenacious tackling, and aggressive defensive style. Such attributes make him a compelling candidate to succeed Casemiro, who could leave when his deal expires next summer. Featured image Naomi Baker 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.