Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has expressed a strong desire to be active in the January transfer window, amid reports that the club is making a concerted effort to sign PSG left-back Nuno Mendes. The French club’s asking price for Mendes has also come to light.
Under Amorim’s leadership, United endured a rough patch with five losses in six Premier League matches, leaving them languishing in 14th place. However, a spirited 2-2 draw against league leaders Liverpool showcased the team’s potential under their new manager, hinting at a possible turnaround.
Following the team’s improvement, Amorim has emphasized the need to bolster the squad. “When the window is open, we can try to do something, and we will try,” he stated. “With more time to train, we can improve, but we also need new players to help speed up the process.”
According to the Daily Telegraph, United are targeting Nuno Mendes to address a recognized weakness at left wing-back. Amorim sees the 22-year-old as the ideal solution, particularly with Mendes’ contract expiring in 18 months and the player showing no urgency to renew it. While talks are underway, it will be up to United to push the deal, as Mendes is unlikely to force a move.
Mendes, a top target for United, is favored over other options like Lecce’s Patrick Dorgu and Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez. PSG, who signed Mendes from Sporting CP for €38 million, are reportedly seeking a slight profit, setting his price at €40 million (£33.2 million, $41.7 million). United may need to sell players to finance the deal, with a new left wing-back being Amorim’s top priority, especially given the fitness struggles of Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia.
Amorim has been tight-lipped about specific transfer targets but remains focused on reinforcing the squad. In related news, United are close to offloading Casemiro to Al-Nassr, potentially freeing up funds. The Brazilian midfielder has struggled to adapt to the Premier League’s pace, and his departure could pave the way for more signings. Additionally, Antony is attracting interest from Real Betis and a reigning league champion, while United are also exploring a loan move for PSG striker Randal Kolo Muani.
Profile: Nuno Mendes
Mendes rose through Sporting CP’s academy under Amorim, making 47 appearances with one goal and three assists. Since joining PSG in 2021, Mendes has made 100 appearances, contributing two goals and two assists this season, averaging a direct goal contribution every 336.7 minutes. His dribbling skills, with an average of 1.4 successful dribbles per 90 minutes, and his attacking contributions make him a perfect fit for Amorim’s system, which relies on wing-backs to provide width and allow wingers to move infield.
Amorim’s vision for wing-backs is clear: “What I want is a good one-on-one, to open the field, to play, to close the field when we lose the ball. The structure is more fluid than it seems with the three defenders.” Mendes appears to embody this role perfectly, making him a key target for United’s January transfer plans.
