Manchester United are set for a crucial summer under boss Ruben Amorim, with the off-season the first real opportunity to get his feet under the table to make the changes he desires.
January was the first chance he had to make the changes he wanted, signing Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven to add to the first-team squad, with more additions expected in the coming months.
However, alongside new signings, departures are desperately needed to free up the wage budget and create funds to allow for the potential arrivals ahead of the Premier League season in 2025/26.
Countless players may be moved on and allowed to kickstart their careers elsewhere, as the owners look to avoid a repeat of the current campaign, which has seen them occupy a place in the bottom half.
With the window rapidly approaching, Amorim has already wasted no time in identifying potential targets to bolster his chances of being a success during his first full year at the helm.
An update on United’s hunt for new signings this summer
The cost-cutting operation in place at Old Trafford in recent months could make funds difficult to come by for the manager over the summer, restricting the additions he could possibly make.
However, Atalanta midfielder Ederson has already emerged as a key target for the club, with progress already being made in an attempt to provide needed depth in the middle of the park.
It was confirmed that the Red Devils were already in talks with the Serie A outfit over a potential move for the 25-year-old who’s made 29 league starts this season.
He’s not the only player who has appeared on their radar in recent days, with Real Betis sensation Jesus Rodriguez another player on their list ahead of the summer.
According to one Spanish outlet, United have made a swap offer for the 19-year-old forward, which would see big-money attacker Antony move in the opposite direction on a permanent basis – allowing them to bypass the Spaniard’s £42m release clause.
The Brazilian is currently spending the second half of 2024/25 on loan with the LaLiga side, with Amorim’s men looking to take advantage of their interest in signing him by moving for youngster Rodriguez.
Why United’s £42m target could be their next Amad
Ivorian attacker Amad Diallo has endured an excellent breakthrough year at Old Trafford after the former Sporting CP boss took the reins, enjoying increased minutes within the side as a result.
He’s made 36 appearances across all competitions, registering nine goals and seven assists, including the winner against local rivals Manchester City at the Etihad.
However, his progress has been restricted in recent months, missing the last 10 weeks of first-team action after suffering an ankle issue during a training session.
Despite originally being ruled out for the remainder of the campaign, Amorim confirmed this week he’s set to return to training, potentially playing a key role between now and the end of May.
They could land another version of Amad in the form of Rodriguez, signing a talented young forward from a European club to try and push them back in the right direction.
When comparing his stats to those of the current Red Devils star, he’s managed to match or outperform him in numerous key areas – highlighting how much of a superb addition he would be.
Games played
17
22
Goals & assists
2
12
Shot-on-target accuracy
36%
32%
Shots on target per game
0.8
0.7
Take-ons completed
2.7
2
Carries into final third
3.1
2.6
Fouls won
3.3
1.3
The Betis talent, who’s been labelled “outstanding” by analyst Ben Mattinson, may have registered fewer combined goals and assists, but he’s notched a higher shot-on-target rate – showcasing his clinical nature.
He’s also managed to complete more of the take-ons that he’s attempted to date, along with more carries into the final third, having all of the tools to provide others in attacking areas.
Should the club manage to complete a swap deal with Antony moving in the opposite direction, it would be a phenomenal piece of business, using him as a bargaining tool to get themselves a superb young prospect.
It’s evident from the figures the Spaniard has produced this year, he is a talent who will hand Amorim the quality to try and make amends for their dismal season throughout 2024/25.
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