Following another disappointing start, Manchester United are already thinking about 2026 targets and are now reportedly interested in a bargain move to sign a Barcelona star.
Ratcliffe meeting routine, says Amorim
Since last weekend’s 3-0 thrashing at the hands of rivals Manchester City, rumours have circled around Ruben Amorim’s immediate future at Old Trafford. Some reports have even suggested that he has just three games to save his job, starting this evening against Chelsea.
The arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe hardly helped end those rumours, either, but the manager has since clarified that meeting was simply routine whilst joking that he was offered a new contract.
“New contract, he was offering me a new contract! No, it was normal things. To show his support, explaining that it is a long project. He said many times this is my first season. For me, it’s not. But it was normal things.
“I spoke with him, Omar [Berrada, chief executive] and Jason [Wilcox, director of football], trying to see all the data around the team. So, it was a normal meeting, and we had several. But in this moment, it’s normal that people pay attention to that.”
For the time being, it seems as though Amorim has the support of INEOS. But that won’t last forever if current results continue. The owners invested around £200m to bolster United’s squad in the summer and will be expecting that to be reflected on the pitch sooner rather than later.
INEOS are unlikely to be finished with their investment, either. 2026 will hand them a fresh opportunity to complete Amorim’s side and reports have already suggested that there could be attempts to sign the likes of Eduardo Camavinga from Real Madrid.
Whether the Red Devils are willing to splash out on the Frenchman is another question, however. Instead, they may look towards a bargain deal to sign a Barcelona alternative.
Man Utd now eyeing De Jong swoop
According to reports in Spain, Man United are now eyeing a 2026 move to sign Frenkie de Jong. The Barcelona midfielder is set to be out of contract next summer and could, therefore, hand the Red Devils the perfect opportunity to land the deal of a lifetime.
There will undoubtedly be plenty of suitors if the Dutchman becomes a free agent next year, but United have surprisingly had little trouble attracting talent recently, despite missing out on European football last season.
Minutes
1,143
1,785
Progressive Passes
120
61
Tackles Won
11
49
Key Passes
21
10
To say that De Jong would be an upgrade on Ugarte in possession would be an incredible understatement. The Barcelona midfielder is one of the best passers in Europe and would finally hand Man United the control that they’ve been desperate for.
Described as “dynamic” by former manager and Barcelona legend Xavi during his time in charge at the club, De Jong will be one to watch if he is still on course to leave as a free agent by the time that the current campaign comes to an end.