Football Today
·28 December 2024
Football Today
·28 December 2024
Manchester United have had an underwhelming season, and manager Ruben Amorim could seek reinforcements when the transfer window reopens.
The left wing-back position has been problematic for the Red Devils. Amorim has experimented with Diogo Dalot and Tyrell Malacia in the role.
Dalot has been inconsistent with his positioning, while Malacia has not fared better. The latter was dropped from the matchday squad last weekend.
RMC Sport’s Fabrice Hawkins claims United have made an offer for Paris Saint-Germain left-back Nuno Mendes, but he does not specify anything else.
Mendes has been a key player for PSG but could leave them soon. He does not believe the contract offer corresponds to his status as a starter.
PSG have not given up on keeping the Portuguese star and are hopeful of persuading him to stay with a new deal beyond June 2026.
The Red Devils have had no problems in the right wing-back role with Noussair Mazraoui and Amad Diallo standing out with their performances under Amorim.
However, there has been no balance on the opposite flank. Dalot has regularly been caught out of position and struggled to provide any attacking threat.
Mendes would be a fabulous signing at the start of the year. He is strong with the ball at his feet and has excelled in winning duels and making overlapping runs.
He played as a left wing-back under Amorim during his breakthrough at Sporting CP, and there is a good possibility of a reunion with his ongoing contract stand-off.
The big question remains whether Les Parisiens would entertain losing him in January.
The club did not block Manuel Ugarte’s move to Old Trafford last summer, but they could decide to keep Mendes until the end of the season before making a decision.
The 22-year-old was signed for around £34 million from Sporting. It could take around £50-60m to persuade Les Parisiens to contemplate his departure.
United are tight on finances, but they must show ambition with a mid-season swoop. This could mean parting ways with some first-team stars.
Marcus Rashford looks likely to head for the exit door next month. United may need at least another high-profile departure alongside him to afford Mendes.