Man Utd target Mainoo’s dream upgrade in £50m ‘machine’

Reuben Amorim has the opportunity to strengthen its own Manchester United squad for the first time since the opening of the January transfer window last week.

Improvements are needed in all areas of the pitch if the Red Devils are to revive their early season Premier League form that saw the side drop to 13th place.

Such a position is unacceptable for a side with United’s history and fan base, something Amorim himself knows, with the reinforcements he needs to succeed at Old Trafford.

The 39-year-old managed just two league wins from his first nine matches in charge but managed one over local rivals Manchester City in mid-December.

If they are to repeat such a feat on a consistent basis in the future, they will need investment from the hierarchy, which has seen one name mentioned for a potential move to the North West.

Man Utd are set to sign a £50m star in January

According to Italian publication Calciomercato, United was named as one of the parties interested in signing the Atalanta midfielder Ederson this winter.

However, the Red Devils are not alone in their pursuit, with European giants Real Madrid also in the race to sign the 25-year-old before the end of the window.

The report claims that the Serie A equipment asking €60m (£50m) for the split with their star and are extremely reluctant to release him during the current season, despite interest from both Madrid and United.

Ederson has progressed quickly in a short time, helping the Bergamo-based club win the Europa League last season, leading to his first call-up to the Brazil national team in recent months.

While he would again be a major investment from the Old Trafford board, he would be worth every penny, providing a potential upgrade to a star currently plying his trade in Manchester.

Why Ederson would be an upgrade on Mainoo

Academic graduate Kobbie Mainoo won the country over in 2023/24, on his debut professional career, driving straight to the heart Erik ten Haagfrom the side.

The Englishman has produced a number of magical moments at Old Trafford, including his incredible goal against Liverpool – making 32 appearances in all competitionsleading to a place in Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad.

Mainoo has started seven times since Amorim’s arrival in late November, proving to be a much better option for a 3-4-2-1 system than the likes of Christian Eriksen and Casemiro at the heart of the side.

However, in recent days it has he boasted about leaving his childhood club together with Alejandro Garnacho, with a hierarchy that wants to increase profits according to the rules of the profit and sustainability department.

It would be a disaster to lose such an important home-grown talent but, should Ederson come, he would be an upgrade on the youngster, putting up numerous figures better than the 19-year-old during the 2024/25 season.

The Brazilian, who was previously called “machine” of broadcaster Carlo Garganese, registered almost twice as many progressive passes at 90 – highlighting his ability to play the ball into forward areas, thereby creating more opportunities for his teammates.

He also won more aerial duels and took more shots, showing his defensive ability which could provide for United’s already leaky back line 28 goals in 20 league games.

While £50m may seem a lot for a player unproven in the English top flight, he has shown he has the skills needed to succeed under Amorim, having already played in a 3-4-3 or 3-4-2-1 formation under the manager Gian Piero Gasperini in the last seasons.

It’s no surprise that Madrid are also seemingly in the picture, with a report from Calciomercat stating that the Atalanta man could be the ‘new Casemiro’, which also makes him the perfect option to replace his compatriot in Manchester.

As for Mainoo, the recent speculation surrounding his potential future simply has to remain that way, with a hierarchy that will undoubtedly upset many fans if they are to offload one of the most promising talents within their squad.