Recent shifts in Manchester United’s transfer strategy suggest the club is reevaluating its options in the wake of the stalled deal for Manuel Ugarte. Although United had previously reached an agreement with Ugarte, the Premier League giants are now reluctant to meet PSG’s hefty €60 million asking price and are prepared to explore alternative targets.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United is considering other promising midfielders who could offer better value. One such player is Sofyan Amrabat, who has recently returned to Fiorentina after a stint at Old Trafford. While Amrabat is seen as a potential alternative, his performances over the past season have not fully convinced that he is the upgrade Manchester United needs, especially with key midfielders like Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, and Scott McTominay potentially departing. Besides Amrabat, journalist Ben Jacobs mentions Joao Gomes of Wolves as another interesting prospect for United.
Gomes, who joined Wolverhampton Wanderers from Flamengo just over a year ago, has quickly established himself as one of the Premier League’s most promising all-around midfielders. Known for his tenacious ball recovery and dynamic play, Gomes made a memorable impact against Manchester United, helping Wolves secure a win at Old Trafford in the opening match of the 2023/24 season.
Another Brazilian on Manchester United’s radar is Andre Trindade. At just 23 years old, Andre plays for Fluminense and has yet to experience European football. Jacobs suggests that Andre could be available for under £30 million, presenting a cost-effective option for the club. Intriguingly, if Andre were to join Manchester United, he would have the chance to meet his footballing idol. In a recent interview with Folha de Pernambuco, Andre drew parallels between his style and that of a younger Casemiro:
“It’s incredibly fulfilling to compete at the highest level, especially within the Brazilian national team, which boasts some of the world’s finest players.”
“In recent years, Casemiro has been a standout player in his position across Europe’s top leagues. Observing his game, his movements, and his defensive skills has been a valuable learning experience for me. I strive to emulate his approach, as our playing styles are quite similar.”