Manchester United’s summer rebuild is still very much a work in progress with plenty of business left to do at Old Trafford before the new season gets underway.
Ruben Amorim has been handed new attacking weapons in the shape of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo and it seems adding a central striker to the squad is next on the list of priorities.
However, there is no doubt United need to improve in the middle of the park, evident from last season’s disastrous campaign and even in the much improved pre-season fixtures on the USA Tour, thus far.
Amorim’s side have impressed in their opening two games of the Tour but the physicality and legs in midfield remains an obvious issue in the team.
Former Premier League star could be the answer
As ever with United, a host of names have been linked with plugging the gap that exits in the heart of the side that desperately needs to improve in the upcoming campaign.
Juventus man Douglas Luiz is one of the names heavily touted and it appears the Brazilian is open to the idea of a move to Manchester.
As reported by Italian media, Luiz is almost certain to leave Turin this summer and will be “sold to the highest bidder” after falling out with club’s hierarchy.
Luiz’s likely destination is the Premier League and whilst European football would be preferable for the 27-year-old, a club of “United’s prestige” would be enough to make up for the lack of participation in Europe.
It’s believed the Serie A giants are holding out for a €40 million fee for the midfielder they purchased from Aston Villa just last summer.
Getting the deal done
United’s need to move players on in the window has been well documented and it’s highly likely that any deal for Luiz will hinge on the funds they can raise from their unwanted stars.
Jadon Sancho is in talks with Juventus which might help strengthen the relationship between the clubs in order to sweeten any deal for Luiz.
However, until the likes of Sancho, Antony and Alejandro Garnacho are moved on, INEOS are hamstrung in terms of money they can spend due to the PSR restraints currently in play.
A move for Luiz would almost certainly mark the end of Casemiro’s time in the starting XI with his fellow countryman now considered an upgrade on the Brazilian legend.
Amorim has had positive words for Kobbie Mainoo recently and he will hope Luiz could provide the perfect foil for the academy product to grow into the mainstay of his side this year.
United’s options dramatically improve with the signing of Luiz and it will be Amorim’s wish to get the deal done before the window slams shut at the end of the month.
Featured image Simone Alveda via Getty Images
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Conner Botterill
Conner Botterill has been with The Peoples Person for two years. A keen match-going red with degrees in Sport and Journalism and Philosophy and Psychology, Conner still believes he has a chance of making United’s first team through his 5-a-side career.
