Manchester United have had an indifferent start to the new season. Although there has been a lot to smile about in terms of performances, the necessary results have not followed so far.
Rúben Amorim was under immense pressure, but a victory over Chelsea last weekend seems to have eased it slightly. Yes, it came with a man advantage in the first half, but the Red Devils secured three important points.
One area of the pitch that has left a lot to be desired under Amorim is midfield. Bruno Fernandes has been good there, but there is a sense that he could be better used in a more advanced position, whereas Casemiro has blown hot and cold.
Now, as per Defensa Central, Man Utd are willing to offer an £88.6 million deal to sign Federico Valverde from Real Madrid.
However, it would not be all cash, with the Red Devils looking to add Kobbie Mainoo to the mix to sweeten the deal.
Man Utd want to offer their academy graduate along with £43.6 million in cash to sign the Uruguayan. They value Mainoo at around £45 million, making it a package of close to £90 million to tempt Real Madrid into a sale.
However, in all fairness, Real Madrid have absolutely no need to sell one of their best players.
He is one of the captains at the club and a guaranteed starter. In terms of box-to-box quality, you do not get much better than Valverde.
As a profile, he would suit Amorim’s system like a pink shirt suits a pair of grey trousers, but he is not a realistic transfer target.
Man Utd have neither the sporting nor the financial luxury to go above and beyond to secure the South American’s signature.
A Man Utd and Valverde association is unlikely any time soon. The club are better off focusing on realistic transfer targets, and let us wait and see how this situation develops.
