United confident of completing blockbuster signing imminently, he’s miles better than Amorim favourite – report

Manchester United’s lack of quality in midfield helped 10-man Everton keep a match-winning clean sheet at Old Trafford. Everton found themselves a man down inside 15 minutes. However, David Moyes still managed to secure his first win against United in Manchester by nullifying Ruben Amorim’s Plan A. The Portuguese tactician’s side rely on their wide progression to enter the final third. Rather than playing short passes between the lines against the outnumbered Everton midfield, the Red Devils continued to launch hopeful crosses into a packed penalty area. Manchester United need midfield reinforcements The first-choice midfield pairing of Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro rarely show composure in possession and dictate the tempo of the game. Kobbie Mainoo is the only midfielder at the club who doesn’t treat the ball like a hot potato, but Amorim doesn’t trust the Englishman’s defensive prowess. Mainoo, who reportedly wants to leave United in January on loan, was only brought on in the 58th minute after Casemiro received a booking. Meanwhile, Manuel Ugarte remained an unused substitute. The United hierarchy are now pushing to improve Amorim’s midfield options mid-season, having set their sights on Joao Gomes. Man United hopeful of signing Joao Gomes According to Globo Esporte, United are working on signing the Brazil international from Wolverhampton Wanderers. The Brazilian outlet claim the Premier League giants are currently in talks with Wolves over a deal worth around £43m. There is optimism a deal can be completed “by the end of the year.” It is understood United will intensify negotiations with Gomes over personal terms “in the final stretch” of 2025, having made progress in their discussions with Wolves. Joao Gomes: Premier League Stats 2025/26 Season MetricValue XG0.36 XA0.47 Touches in the Opposition Box12 Crosses (Completed %)10 (50%) Passes (Completed %)444 (86%) Long Passes (Completed %)31 (55%) Minutes Played836 Dribbles (Completed %)16 (50%) Duels Won62 Aerial Duels Won10 Total Tackles27 Interceptions11 Blocks3 Source: Premier League Website The Molineux outfit signed the Brazilian from Flamengo in January 2023 in a deal worth around £16.5m. Wolves, who currently find themselves in a relegation battle, are reluctant to part ways with one of their best performers. However, it has been reported that the 24-year-old has had his “head turned” by United’s interest. Gomes, nicknamed ‘The Pitbull’, for his aggressive defending, isn’t particularly known for his on-ball qualities. Still, he would be an upgrade on Ugarte and Casemiro in possession. 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 Vishal Singh Vishal has worked in the football media industry for over six years, planning, writing, and editing content for several major outlets, including North Star Network. Vishal has a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Delhi University. Currently a writer at The Peoples Person, he covers Manchester United — a club he has been religiously following and supporting since 2012. Vishal also manages a leading MUFC fan page, The Red Devils, on Facebook with over a million likes. Big fan of ball-playing centre-backs and Harry Maguire’s knee-slide celebration!