Rúben Amorim reveals his top priority signing in January as he plans to get back to his fit with Manchester United and start winning games.
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim is determined to make the most of the upcoming January transfer window, with the club reportedly prioritizing the acquisition of PSG left-back Nuno Mendes. The French club’s asking price for the talented defender has also been revealed, adding intrigue to the potential deal.
Under Amorim’s guidance, United has faced a challenging spell, losing five of their last six Premier League matches and slipping to 14th in the table. However, a spirited 2-2 draw against Liverpool, the league leaders, hinted at the squad’s untapped potential and the manager’s ability to bring about positive change.
Amorim has stressed the importance of strengthening his squad, acknowledging the need for fresh talent to expedite the team’s progress. “When the window is open, we can try to do something, and we will try,” he said. “With more time to train, we can improve, but new players can help accelerate the process.”
Reports suggest that United’s focus on Mendes stems from a recognized weakness at left wing-back. The 22-year-old Portuguese international, whose contract with PSG has only 18 months left, has shown little interest in extending his stay in Paris. This situation presents an opportunity for United to make their move. While Mendes is unlikely to push for an exit, the onus is on United to convince both the player and PSG, who reportedly value him at €40 million (£33.2 million, $41.7 million). To fund the transfer, United may need to sell players, especially with Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia facing persistent fitness issues.
Mendes has emerged as Amorim’s preferred option over alternatives such as Patrick Dorgu of Lecce and Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez. PSG, having initially signed Mendes from Sporting CP for €38 million, are seeking a slight profit in any potential sale. Mendes’ versatility, offensive contributions, and defensive capabilities align with Amorim’s vision for his wing-backs, making him an ideal candidate to fit into United’s tactical setup.
While Amorim has refrained from discussing specific targets, he remains committed to reshaping his squad. Meanwhile, United are exploring player departures to generate funds, with Brazilian midfielder Casemiro reportedly nearing a move to Al-Nassr. Casemiro’s struggles to adapt to the Premier League have made his exit a viable option. Additionally, Antony has drawn interest from Real Betis and other clubs, while a loan deal for PSG striker Randal Kolo Muani is also being considered.
Mendes’ profile underscores why he is a key target. Having risen through Sporting CP’s ranks under Amorim, he made 47 appearances for the club before joining PSG in 2021. Since then, he has featured in 100 games, scoring two goals and providing two assists this season. Mendes averages 1.4 successful dribbles per 90 minutes and contributes a direct goal involvement every 336.7 minutes. These attributes, combined with his familiarity with Amorim’s tactical system, make him a perfect fit for the manager’s reliance on wing-backs to provide both width and defensive solidity.
Amorim’s philosophy emphasizes the importance of wing-backs who excel in one-on-one situations, create width, and seamlessly transition between attack and defense. Mendes embodies these qualities, making him central to United’s plans for the January transfer window. If secured, his arrival could address a key weakness in the squad, signaling the start of a much-needed revival under Amorim.
