Manchester United continue to be linked with potential summer signings despite the club’s managerial situation still being up in the air.
We are now more than two weeks on from Manchester United’s FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.
That Wembley win brought a welcome positive air around United after a turbulent season and in anticipation of a hectic summer.
Ineos are on board at Old Trafford and are looking to solve some of the club’s problems from the last 10 years.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and co are weighing up the future of Erik ten Hag, who has won two trophies in two seasons but oversaw some truly torrid performances.
The United boss is left waiting to learn his fate as United continue to be linked with potential new managers and even possible signings despite not having clarity on next season’s boss.
Manchester United want Joao Palhinha
Another holding midfield player is surely on the radar for United this summer.
Casemiro endured a poor second season at Old Trafford and may even leave this summer amid speculation surrounding a move to Saudi Arabia.
Kobbie Mainoo has enormous talent but needs help in midfield with a proven anchor man potentially a key addition.
Fulham star Joao Palhinha would fit the bill and he is now being linked with a move to United this summer.
Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solekhol claims that United are interested in signing Palhinha amid difficulties surrounding a possible move to Bayern Munich.
Bayern have offered £30million to sign Palhinha having failed to complete a deal for him last summer.
Fulham want £60million though, leaving Bayern to double their offer – or risk missing out again.
Reports in December suggested that United had been in contact with Palhinha’s representatives to discuss a potential move to Manchester.
Palhinha was also on the radar last summer as reports indicated that the Portugal international has admirers inside Old Trafford.
The Fulham star was even described as being keen on the idea of a move to United, though it’s unclear whether he still feels that way after United’s eighth-place Premier League finish.
Palhinha could reunite with Bruno Fernandes
Palhinha’s defensive dominance could give United a real solid base in midfield and some much-needed protection for an often-exposed back line.
Hailed as a ‘special player’ by his former Sporting boss Ruben Amorim, Palhinha has been racking up tackles and interceptions ever since joining Fulham in 2022.
That kind of presence would be welcomed in United’s midfield and a deal would see him reunite with Bruno Fernandes.
Palhinha and Fernandes featured together for Sporting and continue to play key roles for Portugal ahead of Euro 2024.
The pair have maintained a strong friendship over the years and Palhinha even opened up on one ‘special’ moment between the pair this past season.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Palhinha noted that Fernandes went down screaming under a challenge from the Fulham ace – only to then return the favour later in the game.
“I remember with Bruno when we played Manchester United at home in November. I received a yellow card,” said Palhinha. “I didn’t touch him and he was completely screaming. It is normal for him!”
“The next play, I drove with the ball and he made a tackle. It was not a foul but I screamed as well because he did the same. The ref gave the foul but didn’t give him a yellow card. I smiled at Bruno”
“It is special when it happens inside the pitch. We are friends so everything is OK. The Portugal players have a good relationship even outside the pitch. We keep in touch and after games always talk in our dressing rooms,” he added.
Palhinha highlighted their friendship and that kind of connection could be ideal for bolstering United’s midfield – and potentially ensuring that Fernandes is happy at the club.
Paying £60million for a midfielder who turns 29 sounds like the kind of move Ineos wouldn’t fancy, but Chelsea are a great example of why proven players are required alongside young talents – and Palhinha could be ideal for that role at United.