‘Man United accelerate January transfer plan’ amid ‘massive’ Ruben Amorim concern
Man United are accelerating plans to bolster their squad in January amid concerns about star players going to the Africa Cup of Nations.
That is according to former Man United chief scout Mick Brown, who worked at Old Trafford for over a decade during their most successful period, as he exclusively told Football Insider that Ruben Amorim is worried about the impact of losing players.
Bryan Mbeumo is the most notable of those going to AFCON, but United will also miss Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui, in a huge blow to their right-hand side.
Brown told Football Insider last month that Mbeumo has spearheaded Man United’s transformation, and his performances have been crucial to their recent success.
As a result, United are concerned for what the team will look like without him, and are determined to bolster the squad to make up for his absence.
Ruben Amorim concerned about AFCON struggles
Man United will be heavily impacted by AFCON, particularly given the importance of those going to the tournament, and are now making contingency plans.
Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted Amorim is demanding his squad is strengthened to help deal with the big-name absentees.
“They’ve got massive concerns about the Africa Cup of Nations,” he told Football Insider.
“It could have a really big impact on the team, if you’re taking Bryan Mbeumo out of the side, taking Adam and Mazraoui too, that’s a lot of important players.
“All of a sudden, it leaves a big hole in the side and they know they have to fill it.
“At the moment, with the drive and attacking prowess Mbeumo brings to the side, it means their weaknesses and lack of drive in midfield has been less of an issue.
“Take him out of the side, and those issues are going to be clear again.
“Amorim knows they need to strengthen in the transfer market, he wants players to help him deal with the ones he’s going to be missing because it just highlights a lack of depth.
“A midfielder will be their priority if they can get one of their top targets, because that strengthens their squad and helps to cover the energy that they might be missing.
“But it’s something they now know they need to do, and something I’m sure they will be looking to do when the window opens, because if they don’t it could be a major issue.”
Man United make January transfer plans as priority revealed
Chief among United’s targets to strengthen in the mid-season window is the addition of a new dynamic midfielder to add more energy and drive to the team.
Football Insider revealed last month that Man United are desperate to sign a new midfielder when the window opens, with a number of options on their radar.
The likes of Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton are all being tracked by the recruitment team at Old Trafford, while there are other options being considered.
Football Insider exclusively revealed in January that Man United were keeping tabs on Joao Gomes, and that interest has now emerged again.
As a result of the ongoing turmoil at Molineux, a number of “top clubs” in the Premier League and abroad have sent scouts to keep tabs on Gomes’ performances.
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