Ruben Amorim reportedly wants a left-back. (Image: Getty)
Ruben Amorim has identified a new left-back as a priority in his first transfer window at Manchester United, with two names on the club’s shortlist, according to reports. There could also be departures in January to help fund the Portuguese boss’ plans to reshape a squad heavily consisting of Erik ten Hag’s players.
Amorim’s short-term focus is continuing the improved results overseen by Ruud van Nistelrooy during his brief interim spell at the helm.
He arrives with United 13th in the Premier League and 15th out of 36 teams in the Europa League, but there are 11 games to establish momentum in a hectic schedule before the New Year.
But when 2024 becomes 2025, Amorim is bound to want to delve into the transfer market to recruit reinforcements that can accelerate his rebuild.
According to CaughtOffside, a new left-back is at the top of his agenda amid uncertainty surrounding Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia.
Malacia last played for United on the final day of the 2022/23 season, while Shaw hasn’t featured since February.
The left-wing-back plays a crucial role in Amorim’s trademark 3-4-3 system, and it would be no surprise if he wants a reliable replacement.
It’s claimed that Amorim has named United academy graduate Alvaro Carreras as a player he’d like to work with, having shone in Portugal at Benfica.
Ben Chilwell is an outcast at Chelsea. (Image: Getty)
The 21-year-old joined Benfica permanently in the summer after a loan spell in the second half of last season and is thriving in Lisbon.
United are believed to have included a £17million buy-back clause in Carreras’ contract, though, and they reportedly continue to monitor his development.
However, he’s not the only left-back on the club’s radar. The report adds that United have long been admirers of £50m Chelsea outcast Ben Chilwell.
The 27-year-old hasn’t featured in a single Premier League squad this season, receiving just 45 minutes in a Carabao Cup game against Barrow.
Chilwell is widely expected to escape Stamford Bridge this winter, and United could offer him a route if he emerges as Amorim’s preferred target.
He has experience playing in a back-three system under Thomas Tuchel at Chelsea, winning the Champions League with the German.
But relentless injury woes have stifled his Blues career, and that particular issue is something United can do without inheriting more.
Before anything else, Amorim will hope that a player of Luke Shaw’s quality can enjoy a sustained period of fitness and become a key player in his first season at Old Trafford.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1977120/Man-Utd-transfer-news-Ruben-Amorim-Chelsea