Ruben Amorim is on the hunt for talent to fit his Man Utd system (Image: Getty)
are on the hunt for stars capable of playing in the specialised positions which make up ‘s system.
Former Red Devils boss spent years building a squad to fit his own style of play before Old Trafford chiefs sacked him and moved in an entirely different direction. Amorim has deployed his trusty 3-4-2-1 formation since landing in the , shoehorning a number of players into unfamiliar territory.
Left wing-back is one such position which could use some tinkering in January. And according to , United have already taken action in their pursuit of ace Nuno Mendes.
Mendes spent the first two years of his senior career working under Amorim at Sporting. The 22-year-old therefore knows the left wing-back position inside out, and he has had less success since being deployed in a more defensive role by PSG boss Luis Enrique.
Contract talks between the Parisians and Mendes are reportedly at a standstill. The French giants are understood to have offered upgraded terms on his current deal, which runs until the summer of 2026, but the youngster is keeping his options open.
United are said to have sent in an offer of their own ahead of the January transfer window, which swings open next week.
Nuno Mendes has refused PSG’s contract offer (Image: Getty)
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The Red Devils will only be able to spend money if they make sales next month. But Mendes may be a star worth reshuffling the squad for, with Amorim desperate for players who know how to flourish in his system.
Diogo Dalot has acquitted himself well on the left since the new manager was appointed, but he is more at home on the right. Another candidate for the position, Tyrell Malacia, has struggled since returning from a long-term injury, and Luke Shaw is expected to play on the left side of a back-three when available.
United have already secured a talent who could be the answer to their long-term left wing-back prayers. A deal has reportedly been agreed for Paraguayan 17-year-old Diego Leon, but he will not join up with his new team-mates until the summer.
If Mendes is snapped up in the meantime, PSG will hope to recoup a large chunk of the they laid out to lure him from Sporting in 2022. But his contract situation could present United with an affordable opportunity, providing they are able to raise enough cash.
Marcus Rashford, Victor Lindelof and Christian Eriksen are among those expected to be auctioned off next month.