Amorim has ‘set his sights’ on ‘incredible’ 23-y/o to succeed ageing Red – Liverpool are also in the race

Stretty News

·26. November 2024

Amorim has ‘set his sights’ on ‘incredible’ 23-y/o to succeed ageing Red – Liverpool are also in the race

INEOS’ £200 million+ splurge over the summer means Ruben Amorim is likely going to have to wait until the end of the season to bolster his squad how he sees fit.

Indeed, Manchester United fans are preparing themselves for a quiet transfer window at Old Trafford – as has been the case in the last two seasons.

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There are undoubtedly a few recruits sanctioned by Erik ten Hag that Amorim would’ve raised his eyebrows at upon his arrival in M16. For example, Joshua Zirkzee, who’s endured stagnant form ever since he scored on his maiden outing back in August, looks something of a lost puppy when entering the fray in recent matches.

Judging by the latest reports doing the rounds, United have already begun drawing up their summer shortlist to best suit Amorim’s newly-implemented formation. Forwards such as Christopher Nkunku and Matheus Cunha have been earmarked as potential acquisitions to ease the burden on struggling duo Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund, while in defence, a long-term successor for Luke Shaw is being targeted.

Amorim eyes Rayan Ait-Nouri as Luke Shaw’s long-term successor

(Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

The England international returned to action over the weekend to make his first club appearance since February, featuring for 34 minutes as United were held to a 1-1 draw at Portman Road. However, supporters are wiser now than to expect that Shaw will be available for the remainder of the season, with there now always being a lingering expectation that another injury is just around the corner.

As such, Amorim, according to the Daily Star, has ‘set his sights’ on Wolverhampton Wanderers’ fullback Rayan Ait-Nouri – and it’s not the first time he’s been brought up in conversations with United.

Indeed, Ait-Nouri was on INEOS’ shortlist heading into the summer window over eight months ago, though a deal failed to materialise after they turned their attention to another of Ten Hag’s former protegees, Noussair Mazraoui.

The 23-year-old, hailed as an ‘incredible’ talent by manager Gary O’Neil, has gone from strength to strength at the Molineux and, amidst a turbulent start to the term for the West Midlands outfit, he’s racked up a modest three goals and two assists in the opening 12 matches.

Such form has also caught the eye of transfer chiefs over at Liverpool, as they’re also scouring the market for a suitable replacement to the ageing Andy Robertson.