Manchester United have the long term in their sights under Ruben Amorim, though they could now face a decision on whether to sell one of their prize assets to Real Madrid.
Man Utd look for gradual progression under Ruben Amorim
The Premier League campaign has ignited quiet optimism at Old Trafford over the direction Amorim’s young squad may be headed. However, there is still plenty of work to do before debates can take place over quantified success.
Taking difficult decisions to improve his pool of talent, Andre Onana’s departure to join Trabzonspor on loan has impressed supporters as the Red Devils streamline their squad appropriately for years to come.
Onana stated upon his arrival: “I am very happy. I can say that I am very happy. I am starting a new project, a new adventure for me, I am very happy to be here. This is a feeling that makes me so happy. I’ve never felt so much love from people around me.”
Feeling love in a new environment is important, something reflected in Rasmus Hojlund scoring his first goal for Napoli over the weekend, but Amorim has shown courage to discard big-money signings in pursuit of an improved product on the field.
In statistics recorded before Manchester United’s tussle with Manchester City, the Red Devils had taken the most shots and also faced the second-fewest efforts in the Premier League across their last ten top-flight matches, illustrating that slow change is taking place.
CSKA Moscow midfielder Kirill Glebov has his heart set on moving to Old Trafford, showing a buy-in from young players desperate to join Amorim’s project, albeit not everyone is feeling the same way amid recent developments.
Kobbie Mainoo wants to leave Man Utd for Real Madrid
According to reports in Spain, Kobbie Mainoo is pressuring Manchester United to sell him to Real Madrid and views a move to the Santiago Bernabeu as a dream destination in January.
This term, the England international has fallen out of favour under Amorim and hasn’t been a regular starter, though any transfer could depend on Los Blancos running into injury trouble or selling Dani Ceballos. Mainoo still wants out of Old Trafford and ‘his inner circle is working on finding a club that can guarantee him minutes’
INEOS may now be left with a decision to make on Mainoo’s future, which is complicated further by the fact he has two years left on his contract at Old Trafford.
Amorim stated earlier this week that the Carrington graduate needs to improve in the engine room to fulfil his potential fully: “I believe in him a lot. He is a top player. But some of you think that Kobbie Mainoo is already done [a complete player]. I think he can do so much better.
“For some guys (talent) is enough, but for him it is not. Maybe it’s not fair, but I think I’m helping Kobbie, and that’s it.”
After Mainoo asked to leave Manchester United on loan before the window closed, it appears there may still be work to do at Old Trafford to convince him to stick around amid interest from Champions League giants.
