Seeking instant upgrades this summer, Manchester United have now reportedly made their first contact to sign an impressive Premier League defender for Ruben Amorim.
Man Utd end Asia tour with victory
After finishing as low as 15th in the Premier League and losing in the Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur, the last thing that the Manchester United squad needed was further humiliation. But defeat at the hands of ASEAN All-Stars and an awkward open-top bus tour through Kuala Lumpur ensured that their moments to forget only continued.
As they arrived in Hong Kong, the Red Devils would have been feeling that same concern that they’ve felt all season, especially when Juninho opened the scoring to put the hosts in front. This time, however, Amorim’s side spared their blushes and came from behind to seure a 3-1 victory, courtesy of goals from Chido Obi-Martin and Ayden Heaven.
With or without that comeback victory, the damage may have been done on Manchester United’s post-season tour, which only extended their misery.
Nonetheless, Amorim was left pleased following the Hong Kong game and singled out his young players for their efforts, telling reporters: “I really like the kids. I think Jimmy [Thwaites], in the last 15 minutes, as a midfielder, he wants to play. It doesn’t matter how many minutes. These kind of young kids are really important. They will have space in our team.
”Of course, it’s a good feeling [for Obi to score twice] but he needs to continue to train really hard because the Premier League is a different world. We have to improve as a team but I’m really pleased with the kids. Ayden proved, in every game for the first team, he is ready to be an option. Of course, he has got to improve.”
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Away from the tour, meanwhile, those at Old Trafford have also been busy working on some key upgrades, which could see Amorim handed another wing-back to slot straight into his system.
According to Ben Jacobs, who was speaking to The United Stand, Manchester United have now made a first approach to sign Pervis Estupinan from Brighton & Hove Albion this summer. The left-back once again played an important part at The Amex, as Fabian Hurzeler’s side finished as high as eighth in the Premier League. Now, as a result, he could be on the move.
Whether the Seagulls allow their £15m left-back to leave is the big question. Hurzeler is well aware of the talent that he has at his disposal and was full of praise for Estupinan when he returned from injury in August, telling reporters: “He missed a lot of content and a lot of technical things also in the preseason. It’s important now to get from a mix between video sessions and then the pitch sessions.
“That’s why I think that he will be a great player for us again, but we shouldn’t put pressure on him because after a long injury the players need time to adapt and that will be important.”
That said, what should make any potential deal easier this summer is the fact that the Brighton star is represented by the same agent as Manchester United defender Leny Yoro – making him one to watch.
