Manchester United have brought in Ruben Amorim as the club’s next manager, and they might look to improve the squad when the transfer window reopens in January.
While there is no doubt that Manchester have a quality squad at their disposal, they will need to address certain weaknesses if they want to do well during the second half of the campaign under Ruben Amorim and finish as high up on the table as possible.
Under the 39-year-old Portuguese manager, Manchester United are likely to undergo a tactical transformation. Amorim prefers to operate in a 3-4-3 formation, and Manchester United will need players capable of executing his philosophy. The Red Devils will have to invest in two quality wing-backs, and they need to add more depth to the central defensive unit as well.
Manchester United simply do not have options who can step into the wing-back role and deliver at both ends of the pitch. They will need specialist options in that department, and the Red Devils must look to back Amorim in the transfer market for adequate reinforcements.
Other than the defensive unit, Manchester United need depth in the central midfield positions as well. Amorim prefers to implement a high-pressing system, and therefore, the Red Devils will need midfielders with energy and defensive discipline. Signing a quality central midfielder would be ideal.
Manchester United could use a quality attacking midfielder as well, who is capable of operating centrally and in the wide areas. Amorim prefers his wide players to come inside and help create goalscoring opportunities for the striker, and the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford would be ideal in that role.
However, the Red Devils do not have quality alternatives to them. Signing another player for that role would be ideal. Here at The Hard Tackle, we look at five players Ruben Amorim should look to sign for Manchester United.
Jeremie Frimpong
The Bayer Leverkusen wing-back has been exceptional for the Bundesliga champions, and he would be the ideal fit for the right wing-back role. He will help create goalscoring opportunities for Manchester United and provide cover to the central defenders as well.
The Dutch international has proven himself to be one of the most exciting wing-backs in European football right now. He deserves to compete at the highest level, and the opportunity to move to Manchester United could be quite tempting.
The 23-year-old scored 14 goals and picked up 12 assists last season. Frimpong helped Die Werkself win the league title, and he could make a defining impact at Old Trafford as well. However, Manchester United will face stiff competition from other bigwigs, including Liverpool and Real Madrid.
Alvaro Fernandez Carreras
Manchester United need a quality option for the left wing-back role as well. Alvaro Fernandez Carreras could prove to be a quality long-term addition. The 21-year-old has excelled at Benfica since leaving Manchester United, and there have been rumours of a potential return to the Premier League amid links with Liverpool and the Red Devils.
The Spaniard has established himself as a key player for the Portuguese side, and he has the quality to thrive at Manchester United as well. Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia have been quite unreliable in terms of availability. Carreras would be the ideal alternative. The youngster might feel that he has unfinished business at Old Trafford, and he could be keen on a return.
Ousmane Diomande
The Ivorian defender has been a rock at the back for Sporting CP, and a reunion with Ruben Amorim at Manchester United would be ideal for all parties. The Red Devils need a quality alternative to players like Harry Maguire and Diomande would be ideal.
It will be interesting to see if Manchester United can secure an agreement with Sporting CP for the highly-rated central defender. He is well-versed with Amorim’s tactics and philosophy. The youngster should be able to settle in quickly and make an immediate impact if he joins the English club.
Diomande has the physical and technical attributes to thrive in English football as well. However, Manchester United will face stiff competition from other Premier League bigwigs for the Ivory Coast international.
Morten Hjulmand
With Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo the only ideal fit for the midfield roles at Manchester United under Ruben Amorim, the club will need to dip into the transfer market for another quality midfielder. That brings Morten Hjulmand into the picture.
The Denmark international could be the ideal acquisition for them. Hjulmand has proven his quality for club and country in recent months, and he has the quality to make the step up to the Premier League as well.
He will help out Manchester United defensively, and his composure in the middle of the park would help the Red Devils improve. They cannot expect Ugarte and Mainoo to play every game, and Manchester United will have to rotate the squad in order to keep the players fresh.
Hjulmand would be a quality addition for them. However, like other options in our shortlist, the Dane is a target for many other high-profile clubs from the Premier League, including Arsenal and Liverpool.
Rayan Cherki
The French attacker would be the ideal fit for Manchester United. He is likely to be available for a bargain price as well. Lyon have been handed professional relegation to the second division of French football, and there is likely to be a mass exodus soon.
Manchester United must look to take full advantage of the situation and get the deal done. Cherki is capable of slotting into the central roles and creating goalscoring opportunities for his teammates, and he has the technical attributes to drift into the wide areas and flair and unpredictability to the attack.