Manchester United’s poor form under Ruben Amorim has continued, with the Red Devils currently on a run of just one win in their last five matches.
However, Fabrizio Romano has recently confirmed the higher-ups at Old Trafford will continue backing the Portuguese manager and are not considering a change.
That could mean Amorim is once again backed in the January transfer window, as INEOS look to find players who are better suited to his infamous 3-4-2-1 system.
Indeed, they spent over £200m in the summer to sign a new-look attack and Senne Lammens as their new goalkeeper.
If recent reports are to be believed, United will be dipping back into the market in January.
United’s latest transfer target
There have already been several reports linking United to a new midfielder, a clear focus for them over the next two windows.
Two of those are English duo Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton, although there could be a sizeable price tag for each Three Lions international.
Instead, the Red Devils have been linked with a more budget-friendly option. According to a report from Football Insider, Olympiacos midfielder Christos Mouzakitis is ‘definitely on the radar’ of the 13-time Premier League champions.
However, this is not going to be a straightforward deal for United to do. Mouzakitis is said to be wanted by ‘probably every big club in Europe right now,’ so it’ll be tough competition for Amorim’s side.
Real Madrid, for example, are one of the sides vying for his signature, although United are ready to ‘push’ the LaLiga outfit for his signature.
At a fee of just £30m, it represents great value, especially in January.
Why Mouzakitis would be a good signing
There is no doubt that 18-year-old Mouzakitis, who turns 19 on Christmas Day, is one of the most talented young midfielders in Europe.
That was recognised earlier this week when he won the 2025 Golden Boy fans’ choice award.
Indeed, it is clear to see why the Greek international, who already has seven caps for his country, is so highly rated. Despite being so young, he’s already played 52 times for Olympiacos, bagging two goals and assisting six in that time.
One of the real positives to Mouzakitis’ game is the fact that he is a versatile player. Whilst he has played most of his career as a number eight, the teenager has also operated in a deeper role for Olympiacos.
Como scout Ben Mattinson is someone who has been full of praise for the Athens-born midfielder. He even said Mouzakitis’ profile is “similar to Granit Xhaka,” suggesting he is a true controller in the middle of the park, just like the Swiss veteran.
Indeed, his underlying numbers perfectly highlight just how good he is in possession. For example, the 18-year-old 1.73 passes into the penalty area per 90 minutes.
That number ranks him in the top 6% of midfielders in Europe over the last 365 days.
|
Mouzakitis’ key stats in last 365 days |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Stat (per 90) |
Number |
Percentile |
|
Key passes |
1.42 |
80th |
|
Passes into penalty box |
1.73 |
94th |
|
Progressive passes |
5.99 |
76th |
|
Shot-creating actions |
3.78 |
90th |
|
Ball recoveries |
5.83 |
86th |
|
Stats from FBref |
||
Of course, going into the next couple of windows, United would love to bring a player like Wharton to Old Trafford.
Described as “very calm, composed, and a joy to play with” by Eberechi Eze, he is one of the most sought-after midfielders in Europe.
However, his price tag could be a sticking point for United. The Eagles are said to want £100m for their prized midfield asset.
That would be a club-record deal for the Red Devils if they were to pay that fee.
Signing Mouzakitis, though, could be the dream alternative. Mattinson has previously said he would “compare him” to Wharton.
Like the Blackburn-born midfielder, he is a true controller in the middle of the park.
Not only are their profiles similar, but he’d also save United £70m, according to their reported price tags. That is a huge saving which could weigh into INEOS’ thinking, in a window where they need to spread their money out to sign a few players.
Signing Mouzakitis represents a deal for the present and future, saves them a fortune and helps them sign a needed profile in midfield. It certainly seems like a great option for United.
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