Manchester United need to get back to winning ways after their unbeaten run ended against Everton with Ruben Amorim facing big issues and eyeing changes in the January transfer window
Ruben Amorim is hoping Manchester United can bounce back from a humiliating defeat at home to 10-man Everton and go on another unbeaten run in the Premier League.
But the Portuguese manager is facing the prospect of losing three key players at Manchester United as the Africa Cup of Nations beckons. The Red Devils could also lose another two first-team stars in their forthcoming fixtures.
Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui are all likely to be selected for AFCON and will soon be taking a break from club duties. To add to the manager’s woes, United’s disciplinary record could see another two players sidelined.
Meanwhile, the club seems to have pinpointed its top choice to replace Casemiro should the Brazilian depart this summer. Here’s all the latest news from Old Trafford ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash with Crystal Palace.
Casemiro and Dorgu on the brink of suspensions
As if the potential departure of AFCON-bound players wasn’t enough, suspensions could be looming for both Casemiro and Patrick Dorgu. Both players are just one yellow card away from reaching the five-booking threshold that would result in a one-match ban, reports the Mirror.
United, currently sitting 10th in the Premier League, could do with all the help they can get during a challenging winter schedule. This means both Casemiro and Dorgu will need to tread carefully at Selhurst Park this weekend.
Casemiro has already faced suspension this season after being sent off in the 2-1 victory over Chelsea in September. However, the Brazilian could be looking at another short stint on the sidelines if he receives one more booking in the next seven Premier League matches.
This could impact Amorim’s team selection for what is shaping up to be a challenging trip to south London. Palace are unbeaten in three games and sit fifth, while United have not won in over a month and have slipped to mid-table.
On one hand, United’s boss might prefer his players to get their bookings sooner rather than later to serve their suspensions before the AFCON exodus. On the other hand, he’ll want to maintain their disciplinary record as long as possible in hopes that neither Casemiro nor Dorgu reach the five-card limit.
Gallagher eyed as Casemiro replacement
One of the major transfer stories brewing at United involves Casemiro, whose contract at Old Trafford expires next summer.
Despite the club having the option to extend his stay by another year, rumours are circulating that Conor Gallagher is being lined up as his potential replacement.
This narrative is gaining momentum after AS reported that Amorim’s side are leading the race to sign the Atletico Madrid midfielder.
Gallagher, 25, was virtually indispensable during his debut season under Diego Simeone last term but has since taken a backseat in recent months.
The ex-Chelsea and Crystal Palace star has only started five matches in all competitions this season.
Atletico secured the player’s services for a steal at just £34million nearly a year and a half ago, but it’s believed the Spanish heavyweights would ask for closer to £50m if they were to sell him in 2026.
Gallagher, who is reportedly “not satisfied” with his limited role at Atleti, would also bring the added advantage of contributing to United’s homegrown player quota.
He could even help to extract more from his former Chelsea team-mate and fellow Blues academy graduate Mason Mount.
There are said to be worries at United about the club’s over-dependence on midfield maestros like Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes. However, a Premier League return for Gallagher could provide the squad with a fresh, dynamic alternative suited to the role.
#Man #Utd #news #Ruben #Amorim #eyes #satisfied #transfer #players #pose #big #problem
