Dayot Upamecano would have been a perfect defensive addition for Ruben Amorim.
Amorim places huge emphasis on physicality and athleticism.
And Upamecano is exactly the kind of player who would thrive in the aggressive, proactive, and dominant side the Portuguese tactician is keen on turning Manchester United into.
As athletic as the Frenchman is, his recovery pace and strength would be crucial in Amorim’s system, especially given how adept he is at playing out from the back.
INEOS eyeing free transfer
Upamecano’s deal at Bayern Munich is set to expire next summer.
United were reportedly among several top European clubs keen to persuade him to join on a free transfer.
While there had been hope the former RB Leipzig man might consider leaving the Bundesliga for a fresh challenge, some telling updates about his potential Allianz Arena exit surfaced the other day.
The Peoples Person relayed reports revealing Bayern Munich were close to agreeing a new deal with Upamecano.
And while some questioned the accuracy of those reports, the player himself has now spoken out, offering clarity on his future and the status of those contract talks.
Upamecano speaks
Speaking to Bild following Bayern’s 3–1 win over Chelsea, the 26-year-old admitted:
“I feel comfortable here and am happy to work with a very good coach and great players.
“My agent is talking with the people in charge at Bayern. The talks are ongoing. There’s nothing more to say. We’ll see what happens.’
Landing a world-class defender like Upamecano, and doing so on a free, would have been a massive coup for INEOS. He would have been a game-changing signing.
For some, those revelations now make it clearer this may not be a deal worth getting excited about.
Hope still there
However, in football, nothing is ever certain, and Bayern will know that better than most.
Contract talks can collapse: Bayern’s failure last season to convince Leroy Sané to extend his contract ultimately led to his departure on a free transfer to Galatasaray, serving as a perfect example.
So the Upamecano situation remains one to watch. Until he puts pen to paper on a new deal, there should still be hope that the Red Devils could yet get their man.
Featured image Alexander Hassenstein via Getty Images
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Daniel Onguko
Since Dan was introduced to Manchester United in 2008, he has lived and breathed the club. What started as being a fan evolved into writing about United, allowing him to feel part of their journey. Hopefully, his work might even help rekindle your love for the kings of Manchester.
