Manchester United’s transfer window has already been a huge success, with Ruben Amorim making key additions to help him in his quest for success at Old Trafford.
He’s already landed Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers, costing a staggering £62.5m but massively bolstering the number ten position within the first-team squad.
Bryan Mbeumo also made the move to join the Red Devils, also costing a pretty penny, with the hierarchy forking out a whopping £71m to lure him away from Brentford.
Whilst the pair have already set the club back over £130m this summer, they will offer that creative spark Amorim’s side have been missing, notching 35 combined Premier League goals between them last season.
However, their big-money window also looks set to continue with a couple of weeks remaining, targeting multiple talents who would further improve the club’s chance of success in the near future.
The latest on United’s hunt for new additions this summer
Benjamin Sesko looks to be United’s latest addition this summer, after the club made a £74m offer for the RB Leipzig striker in the last 24 hours – a figure that could be enough to land his signature.
Newcastle United have also submitted a bid for the Slovenian international, but the latest reports suggest that the player himself is favouring a move to Old Trafford over a switch to St James’ Park.
However, he’s not the only player currently in their sights, with Juventus star Douglas Luiz a player appearing on their radar, according to Football Insider.
Their report claims that the Red Devils have entered talks with the Serie A side over a move for the Brazilian, who’s been allowed to depart the club less than 12 months after joining.
It also states that West Ham United, Everton and Nottingham Forest are also in the race for his signature, leading to a loan with an obligation to buy being mooted for the 27-year-old.
Why United’s latest target would be perfect for Mbeumo & Cunha
Given United’s measly Premier League tally of just 44 goals last season, it’s evident that the side desperately needed added reinforcements in the final third – something which the hierarchy have evidently done this window.
The aforementioned duo of Cunha and Mbeumo’s tally of 35 goals would’ve equated to 80% of the side’s tally, highlighting the added threat the Red Devils will possess in 2025/26.
However, they will need ammunition if they are to succeed in their first season at the club, with Bruno Fernandes likely to be the main candidate based on the previous campaign.
The Portuguese international notched 18 assists across all competitions last season, but he could be joined by Luiz in his quest to provide his teammates with chances in the final third.
Whilst he only managed 27 appearances for the Old Lady last season, the former Aston Villa star still managed to thrive with the ball at his feet, making him an excellent deep-lying option in Amorim’s system.
His talent on the ball could provide the likes of Cunha and Mbeumo with added chances for success in front of goal, whilst also being an excellent buy given his previous five-year spell at Aston Villa in England’s top-flight.
Luiz, who’s been labelled “world-class” by analyst Adam Gilks, registered an 87% pass completion rate, whilst making 2.6 key passes per 90 – ranking him within the top 1% of all players in Serie A last campaign.
|
Douglas Luiz’s stats for Juventus in Serie A (2024/25) |
|
|---|---|
|
Statistics (per 90) |
Tally |
|
Games played |
19 |
|
Minutes played |
516 |
|
Pass accuracy |
87% |
|
Progressive passes |
6.1 |
|
Progressive carries |
2.7 |
|
Key passes made |
2.6 |
|
Passes into final third |
3.2 |
|
Tackles won |
1.4 |
|
% of tackles won |
67% |
|
Stats via FBref |
|
Such tallies would be perfect for those ahead of him, with his figure of 6.1 progressive passes and 3.2 passes into the final third per 90 further highlighting his creative ability, which would massively aid the new additions in attacking areas.
Out of possession, the Brazilian has been just as impressive, winning 1.4 tackles per 90 at a success rate of 67%, handing the side the needed defensive talent at the heart of the side.
Any move for Luiz this summer would be an excellent piece of business, offering Amorim with the perfect box-to-box option in midfield, subsequently able to have the tools to impress at both ends of the pitch.
If he can carry his creativity over with him from Italy, he can help his fellow new additions to thrive during their first year in Manchester, which could allow the side to rise up the table throughout 2025/26.
