Manchester United’s pursuit of Real Madrid maestro Eduardo Camavinga has reportedly taken another sharp turn thanks to the club’s former manager, Jose Mourinho. Rebuilding the Midfield The Red Devils are prioritising a complete overhaul in midfield this summer as the club braces itself for the loss of Casemiro after INEOS decided to let his contract expire. Despite turning 34 in February, the Brazilian has enjoyed a resurgent campaign, first under Ruben Amorim and then interim boss Michael Carrick. However, Manuel Ugarte has proved to be an incapable deputy in his stead, with United yet to win a Premier League match in which he has not started. As a result, the club are planning to invest up to £150 million in three new midfielders, provided a buyer can be found to take Ugarte off their hands. A suitable partner for Kobbie Mainoo is considered a priority, as well as a versatile No.8 to rotate with the 21-year-old starlet. The primary target is Elliot Anderson, but Manchester City are understood to be leading the race for the Nottingham Forest and England star. Premier League-proven operators such as Adam Wharton, Mateus Fernandes and Carlos Baleba are other options on the radar. However, Andy Mitten (The Athletic) reveals United have also been tracking “eyebrow-raising” targets in Spain as INEOS cast a wide net to fix their stalling engine room. This has led United to the Santiago Bernabeu, with advances made to try and sign Camavinga after a difficult season for Los Blancos. An Exit Looms Despite the 23-year-old midfielder making it clear he wishes to stay in the Spanish capital and fight for his place, Jose Mourinho – set to take charge of his former club at the end of the season – is understood to want him sold. Spanish journalist Miguel Serrano reveals the Special One “doesn’t want Camavinga” and has instead implored Real Madrid to sign Wolverhampton Wanderers’ warrior Joao Gomes from under the noses of local rivals Atletico. Diego Simeone’s side are said to be in advanced negotiations to sign the 25-year-old Brazilian, who is also on United’s radar. However, Mourinho has instead “put his name forward” for a hijack – and is willing to sacrifice Camavinga to fund it. If Florentino Perez, the president who has personally pushed for Mourinho’s return, greenlights the move, it will reignite United’s hopes of striking a deal for Camavinga, after they were dashed by the France international’s resolute stance on remaining in Spain. Final Thoughts Competition will prove fierce for Camavinga should he become suddenly available again on the market, as Real are expected to demand a cut-price fee of around £50 million for his services – around half the figures being suggested for United’s targets in England. Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool are expected to join the race, while Ligue 1 giant Paris Saint-Germain will always be interested if a French superstar is on offer. INEOS will have to move quickly and decisively in order to fend off their rivals and secure a player who remains one of the finest midfielders in European football, even after a difficult campaign. Featured image Ahmad Mora 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 Darragh Fox Darragh is an editor for The Peoples Person who spent three years learning about the Cold War at the University of Sheffield slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about. Amad’s first touch should be officially recognised as the eighth wonder of the world.
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