11th-hour bid rejected: Utd made late approach for £42m star who ‘laid the foundations’ for his PL club’s resurgence

Stretty News

·5. Februar 2025

11th-hour bid rejected: Utd made late approach for £42m star who ‘laid the foundations’ for his PL club’s resurgence

It’s safe to say Ruben Amorim faces an uphill battle to salvage something from Manchester United’s turbulent campaign after their substandard transfer window.

Two defenders in (Ayden Heaven and Patrick Dorgu) with three attackers out (Antony, Marcus Rashford and Ethan Wheatley) doesn’t make a whole lot of sense, but that’s the bizarre route INEOS opted to take in just their second window as Red Devils co-owners.

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As a result, Amorim will now have only four out-and-out forwards to occupy his attack for the remainder of the term, meaning he’ll have no choice but to call upon Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount – when he returns from injury – and even Kobbie Mainoo to push further afield and put their talents to use in more attacking roles.

United pursued ex-Aston Villa hero Douglas Luiz before Monday’s deadline

Luiz has been utilised sparingly since swapping the Premier League for Serie A. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

Reports have surprisingly emerged this week claiming (via Football Italia) United made an 11th-hour attempt to sign Douglas Luiz on loan from Juventus, and, despite him being made available for a move earlier in January, the Reds’ approach came too late for his exit to materialise.

The Old Lady had already signed off on Nicolo Fagiolo’s move to Fiorentina, ensuring Luiz would be staying put in Turin until at least the summer – having endured a tumultuous start to his Serie A career since his £42 million switch from Aston Villa.

Alan Shearer previously hailed the playmaking maestro for the influential role he played in Unai Emery’s resurgent side, saying: “Aston Villa keep going from strength to strength under Emery, and one player who has typified their incredible start to the season is Douglas Luiz.

“The Brazilian midfielder produced another outstanding display in midfield against West Ham United on Sunday as his brace helped Villa to an impressive 4-1 win – two goals in a dominant display. He really led his team well. He’s been laying the foundations for Villa’s success this season.”

It remains to be seen if United will return for the out-of-favour midfielder at the end of the term.