Manchester United have been offered the chance to sign a star who admires Ruben Amorim.
Ineos have no option but to back Ruben Amorim and strengthen his Manchester United squad in the summer.
Signing a top-class striker will be a top priority after United failed to bring in a forward over January, but Amorim will want reinforcements across the field.
One area that could be strengthened is in midfield, with United showing interest in Chris Rigg among other young talents.
The latest player being offered to the Red Devils could see Amorim reunited with a former Sporting Lisbon star.
Man United offered Joao Palhinha this summer
United’s midfield will need strengthening with Christian Eriksen expected to leave in the summer. Additionally, Casemiro could be sold despite the Brazilian wanting to see out his contract in 2026.
Amorim will need extra depth in midfield, and according to Caught Offside, United will be offered the chance to sign Bayern Munich’s Joao Palhinha.
The Portuguese midfielder has struggled for playing time at Bayern Munich since his £43m move from Fulham in the summer. The Bundesliga giants are now open to him leaving, and his agent is working on a move back to the Premier League.
United showed an interest in Palhinha last summer as a potential replacement for Casemiro – Ineos now have an opportunity to revisit a potential deal.
Palhinha was the ‘best tackler in the Premier League’ during his time at Fulham, and he is also familiar with Amorim’s style of play.
Palhinha has made 87 appearances under Amorim during their time together at Sporting – more than he has played under any other coach.
The midfielder admitted he had ‘a lot of affection’ for Amorim during their time together – a reunion at Old Trafford is now possible.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe could block Palhinha deal
Palhinha seems like a good fit for Amorim’s United – physical, Premier League-proven and familiar with the system.
However, Palhinha does not fit into Ineos’ transfer strategy at United. The new owners at Old Trafford want to target young and upcoming players who can develop into superstars.
Viktor Gyokeres could be snubbed by Ineos for the same reason – as he clashes with the transfer strategy.
At 29 years old, Palhinha is entering the twilight years of his career rather than his peak, and that could put Sir Jim Ratcliffe off a deal for the Portuguese midfielder.
It has been widely accepted that United signed Casemiro in a panic, offering him huge wages and a long-term deal despite his age. Ineos will be eager to avoid making a similar mistake in their recruitment process.