This summer transfer window gave Manchester United the perfect chance to go all out and secure players perfect for Ruben Amorim’s system.
With Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, the two 10s captured, attention now shifts to strengthening other positions, such as the midfield.
United’s midfield weaknesses were exposed in the goalless pre-season draw against Leeds, with Amorim conceding: “We had a lack of pace, especially in the middle of the park.”
His engine room remains in need of reinforcements, with balance and dynamism sorely lacking.
Luiz: one of United’s midfield targets
Some top midfielders have been linked, among them, Douglas Luiz.
As Aston Villa’s number six, Luiz was a standout performer. You cannot talk about the Villans qualifying for the 2024–25 Champions League without highlighting the key role the South American played.
Juventus signed him in a £50m deal, hoping he would replicate his Premier League brilliance in Serie A.
Unfortunately, he did not. Luiz flopped at the Allianz Stadium.
Injuries disrupted his rhythm, and he looked a shadow of the player who, in 2023–24, racked up 10 goals and 11 assists from deep midfield.
With zero goal contributions in 27 games for Juventus, the disappointed Bianconeri are now thought to be keen to cash in.
Luiz’s latest actions fuel exit claims
Alongside United, a host of Premier League clubs (Everton and West Ham) have been linked.
However, none have yet struck a deal with the Italian side, but that could change, especially with the player’s latest actions, which have led some to suggest he is agitating for a move away.
Given the extended break due to their participation in the FIFA Club World Cup, Juventus were scheduled to resume pre-season training today (July 24).
Luiz was expected back but was a no-show, according to Fabrizio Romano.
🚨⚪️⚫️ Douglas Luiz did not show up for pre-season training at Juventus today.
Juventus are set to take disciplinary measures, with Douglas Luiz expected to leave the club this summer. ⚠️ pic.twitter.com/BkL9cZ8Fn9
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 24, 2025
Time to strike
After a frustrating 2024-25 season, Luiz does not want to stay in Turin, and skipping training makes this obvious.
Yes, Juventus are expected to take disciplinary action over his conduct, but even they may now be desperate to move him on swiftly.
For the midfielder’s suitors, now could be the time to act.
It could be the perfect opportunity for United to send in a cheeky bid or revisit swap deals that have already been floated.
There have been claims that an exchange involving Luiz and either Rasmus Hojlund or Jadon Sancho could be considered.
United desperately need a dependable midfielder in possession, someone who can bring solidity, calm and control to the team.
That is precisely what Luiz offered (and more) while he was running the show at Villa Park.
With INEOS keen to sign “tried-and-tested” Premier League stars, this could be a perfect move.
Once signed, Luiz could be the perfect partner for Bruno Fernandes in central midfield, a scary partnership, but thankfully not for United fans.
Featured image Michael Reaves via Getty Images
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.
