Two of Manchester United’s ‘struggling’ star players could be released next year, while the Red Devils could make a cheap move, according to reports.
Manchester United’s optimism has grown in recent weeks as the English giants won back-to-back Premier League games for the first time under head coach Ruben Amorim.
Amorim has been under immense pressure following Manchester United’s embarrassing 2024-25 season, which saw them finish 15th in the Premier League and fail to win any trophies.
Amorim’s Man United have struggled since the start of this season, suffering a one-sided loss to Brentford and losing to League Two side Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup, but they have made good progress with wins over Sunderland and Liverpool in their last two games.
Read: Big weekend: Brentford vs Liverpool, Man United, Eberechi Eze, Thomas Frank, El Clasico
Now, the Red Devils have to pick themselves up and build on their momentum, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they get back on track and lose to Brighton this weekend.
Manchester United’s summer signings Brian Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesco, Matheus Cunha and Senne Ramens have made a positive impact in recent games, but there are still gaps in other positions.
More than £100m was spent on Brighton’s star player in the summer, but it is widely reported that their priority is to sign a new No. 6 after failing to finalize a bold move for Carlos Baleva.
United are reportedly maintaining a relationship with Valeva for next year, although several replacement players are also being discussed as options.
A new report from Caught Offside claims Bayern Munich star Aleksandar Pavlovic is valued at €80m ($70m) and is “another name on the list” and “one to watch”, while “struggling duo” Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro could be released.
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A source for the newspaper said: “United consider Pavlovic as one of the candidates to replace Casemiro.”
“Manuel Ugarte is also not seen as a long-term option. A January move is unlikely, but he could be a player to keep an eye on next summer.”
Amorim’s ‘favourite’ Morten Hulmand, who worked with the Man United manager at Sporting Lisbon, has a £70m release clause in his contract, but Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke explains why he was able to sign him for ‘far less’ than this amount.
Coach O’Rourke explained: “Yurmand could be a player United are looking to sign next year.
“We fully expect Manchester United to look to sign a new midfielder in 2026. They have been linked with the likes of Carlos Bareva, Adam Wharton and Elliott Anderson. So Hjormand is just another name on that list.”
“As you said, there is a connection between the Danes and Ruben Amorim. Ruben Amorim signed Yurmand from Lecce in 2023 and clearly the two have worked together successfully.
“He helped Sporting win the title under Amorim, and he is a good player and has a lot of experience. He is also currently captain of Sporting Lisbon and is playing at Champions League level.”
“The problem with Yurmand is that he is under contract until 2028. He is probably a cheaper alternative than the other three midfielders I mentioned.”
“He has a release clause of around £70m in his contract with Sporting, but United are probably confident they can get him for less than that.
“There is no doubt that Sporting would like to keep him, but perhaps the opportunity to move to the Premier League and reunite with Ruben Amorim would also be interesting for Yurmand.”
