Manchester United have problems at left wing back and Ruben Amorim appears to have a top target in mind.
Manchester United’s 2024 has ended in truly dismal fashion after losing 2-0 to Newcastle United on Monday night.
United’s 2-0 defeat at Wolverhampton Wanderers on Boxing Day was bad enough but Monday’s performance was arguably even worse.
Ruben Amorim watched on as United served up a woeful display with Newcastle taking a 2-0 lead inside the first 20 minutes.
It’s now five defeats in the last six Premier League games for Amorim with United currently moving in the wrong direction.
United only appointed Amorim in November but the new boss already seems to be under pressure after a woeful run of results.
Ruben Amorim stance on Nuno Mendes
Amorim will want signings in 2025 but January additions seem a little unlikely as things stand.
A left wing back is bound to be a top priority whenever Amorim is able to spend with that area of the pitch a particular area of concern.
United just don’t have the talent to play the way Amorim wants to play and wing backs are crucial to his 3-4-3 setup.
One name just won’t go away as United are interested in signing Paris Saint-Germain left back Nuno Mendes.
Reports in recent days suggested that United have made an offer for Mendes in an effort to reunite him with Amorim.
Amorim handed Mendes his first-team debut at Sporting and a reunion could be just what United need.
Reporter Sacha Tavolieri has now told Sky Sports that Amorim has specifically named Mendes as a top target.
It’s noted that Amorim’s agent Ignacio Aguillo – the founder of the AS1 Sports agency – also represents Mendes.
Mendes is stalling on a new PSG contract and United are ‘considered a preferred option’ for any 2025 transfer.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 12 |  BrentfordBrentford |
18 | 7 | 3 | 8 | 32 | 32 | 0 | 24 |
| 13 |  West HamWest Ham |
19 | 6 | 5 | 8 | 23 | 35 | -12 | 23 |
| 14 |  Man UtdManchester United |
19 | 6 | 4 | 9 | 21 | 26 | -5 | 22 |
| 15 |  Crystal PalaceCrystal Palace |
19 | 4 | 8 | 7 | 20 | 27 | -7 | 20 |
| 16 |  EvertonEverton |
18 | 3 | 8 | 7 | 15 | 24 | -9 | 17 |
Manchester United learn Nuno Mendes asking price
Mendes, hailed as ‘extraordinary’ by Kylian Mbappe, is out of contract in 2026 and PSG may be tempted to sell in January or at the end of the season, before the Portugal star can leave for nothing.
Tavolieri adds that PSG have now set the price tag at €50million (£41.5million) for Mendes as they consider cashing in.
Mendes joined PSG for £34million, as noted by BBC Sport, and the French giants are now seeking a small profit on that price before any sell-on clause goes to Sporting.
United may not have that kind of money to spend in January though and that leaves the door open to other clubs swooping in.
Bruno Fernandes wanted United to sign Mendes in 2021 but may yet see United miss out on the left back again unless funds can be raised.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/RnXQw69