Manchester United and INEOS have reportedly joined Atletico Madrid in the race to sign the La Liga defender after a disappointing start to the season.
Ratcliffe reiterates patience with Amorim project
Despite failing to win a Premier League game in almost 12 months and struggling to take the Red Devils into European football, Ruben Amorim still has the backing of INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe. The minority owner reiterated the need for patience and drew comparisons to Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta.
“Yes, that’s where I am. Three years. Because football doesn’t happen overnight. We have to be patient. We have a long-term plan. It’s not a light switch.
“You can’t run a club like Manchester United by reacting randomly to journalists who spout abuse on a weekly basis.” (Sir Jim Ratcliffe, on Amorim)
This suggests that Amorim’s job was not in jeopardy even if they lost against Sunderland, and the former Sports Club manager must now repay that faith.
The coach himself is similarly stubborn about his decisions, refusing to change a system that many believe is broken. He told reporters earlier this season: “So” is not a system. It’s the details and the way the game is played.
“And I understand how people think, ‘What would happen if this team had a different system?’ I don’t know. Maybe this team will win more games. But if you don’t change certain things, you’re not going to win titles by changing to a 4-3-3 or changing to a 4-4-2.”
The challenge for INEOS in the face of Amorim’s stubbornness will be to get the United manager the reinforcements he needs to get the system up and running, which should make 2026 interesting. Reports have already suggested that one La Liga star could be on the cards.
Manchester United enter race to sign David Affengruber
Man United are currently in a battle with Atletico Madrid to sign David Affengruber, according to reports in Spain. The Elche centre-back has been an unexpected star in Spain’s top flight so far this season, helping his side climb to seventh place. INEOS are now fans of his abilities and are reportedly eyeing a move in 2026 to secure his contract.
Manchester United’s owner could also strike a fairly cheap deal. Elche are expected to ask for more than €25m (£22m) to sell the defender next year, but given their position in football’s food chain, the final price is unlikely to reach an exorbitant sum.
League statistics 25/26 | david affengruber | Matthijs de Ligt |
|---|---|---|
minutes | 663 | 630 |
progressive path | twenty two | 14 |
ball collection | 49 | twenty three |
tackle win | 12 | 12 |
Affengruber’s qualities become even more apparent when compared to Matthijs de Ligt. The 24-year-old has excelled both in and out of possession this season and if he maintains his current form, he could be a key option for Man United.
Meanwhile, De Ligt represents another big-money player who has struggled to make an impression at Old Trafford, and getting him back to top form should be one of Amorim’s top priorities.