Ruben Amorim, the new manager at Manchester United, has reportedly declined the opportunity to bring Juventus defender Danilo to Old Trafford next summer, choosing instead to explore other options that align with his vision for the club.
As the Red Devils navigate a new era under Amorim, who succeeded Erik ten Hag at the helm, the focus is on reshaping the squad and strengthening key areas. One of the primary concerns for Amorim is the left-back position, which has become a persistent headache for United in recent seasons.
Amorim, who guided Sporting Lisbon to two league titles in four seasons, is tasked with restoring Manchester United to its former glory and re-establishing the club among the elite of English and European football. Despite his relatively young age of 39, Amorim is seen as a capable leader with a clear tactical approach, and his early work at United will likely focus on assessing the existing squad. This includes deciding which players have a long-term future at the club, as well as addressing positions that require reinforcements.
The left-back spot has been a consistent issue for United, with both Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw struggling with injuries in recent seasons, leaving the position in flux. In light of this, Manchester United were linked with a potential move for Juventus’ Danilo, who will be available on a free transfer in the summer of 2025. The 33-year-old Brazilian has the versatility to play across various defensive roles and in midfield, making him an appealing option for many clubs. Reports suggested that United were invited to discuss a pre-contract agreement with the veteran, but Amorim and United’s recruitment team, led by sporting director Darren Ashworth, ultimately decided to pass on the opportunity.
According to sources, Amorim and Ashworth agreed that Danilo did not fit the profile of player they want to bring to Old Trafford. Despite his experience and adaptability, the duo feels that signing a player of Danilo’s age would not align with the long-term goals for the squad. Instead, Amorim is said to prefer younger, more dynamic options, particularly one that could provide stability and potential for growth at left-back.
Alvaro Fernandez Carreras, the Spanish left-back currently playing for Benfica, has emerged as a more attractive target for United. Fernandez, who was sold to Benfica earlier this year for a relatively low €5m, has impressed during his time in the Primeira Liga, thriving on loan before securing a permanent move. His strong performances have attracted attention from several top clubs, including Liverpool and Real Madrid. However, United have a clear advantage in the situation, thanks to a buy-back clause in Fernandez’s contract, which allows them to re-sign the player for €20m.
While United’s previous regime made the questionable decision to let Fernandez go for just €5m, they at least secured a buy-back clause that now puts them in a strong position to bring him back to Old Trafford. This clause will become active only once the current season ends, allowing United to make a move in the summer transfer window. The prospect of Fernandez returning to Manchester is enticing for United, as he provides an exciting blend of youth, attacking threat, and defensive solidity, qualities that align with Amorim’s tactical preferences.
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It’s believed that Fernandez’s return would offer a more strategic, long-term solution to United’s left-back dilemma. While other clubs are circling, United are reportedly confident they can secure Fernandez’s signature ahead of their rivals, owing to the buy-back clause in his deal. This move would also give Amorim a fresh option at left-back, which is a position that continues to cause headaches for the club, particularly with the injury issues surrounding Shaw and Malacia.
In addition to Fernandez, United have also been linked with moves for other high-profile left-back options, such as Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies. However, reports suggest that while talks have been held with Davies’ representatives, the financial demands for the Canadian international, particularly his high wages and potential signing-on fees, make a deal difficult for United to pull off. Furthermore, the player’s ongoing discussions with Barcelona further complicate the situation, suggesting that United may need to look elsewhere for solutions.
As for Danilo, sources close to the situation have confirmed that Manchester United’s links to the Brazilian defender were never grounded in concrete interest. Instead, it appears the speculation surrounding Danilo was more the result of an agent-driven effort to generate attention for the 33-year-old’s availability. Despite his versatility and ability to cover multiple positions, Amorim and Ashworth ultimately deemed him not a fit for the club’s long-term objectives.
Another factor in United’s decision-making is the continued uncertainty surrounding the fitness of their current left-backs, Malacia and Shaw. Malacia, who was the first signing made by Erik ten Hag in the summer of 2022, has had a difficult time with injuries, with his recent return to action coming after a 17-month rehabilitation process from a knee injury. His first appearance back in competitive football was with the Manchester United Under-21 side in the EFL Trophy against Huddersfield Town, marking a significant step in his recovery. While it remains to be seen when Malacia will be ready for first-team contention, his recovery is a positive development for United.
At the same time, Shaw has also been struggling with injury problems, particularly a calf issue that has kept him sidelined for the entirety of the current season. The club has yet to set a timeline for Shaw’s return, which leaves Amorim with some uncertainty at left-back. However, Amorim is reportedly keen to give both players a chance to prove their fitness and to show that they can be reliable options in his preferred 3-4-3 system, which places significant emphasis on full-backs and wing-backs.
Amorim’s preference to give Malacia and Shaw a chance to prove themselves may have played a role in United’s decision to look elsewhere for a left-back reinforcement. Rather than bringing in a player like Danilo, who would have added short-term depth but not a long-term solution, Amorim seems inclined to see if his existing players can stay healthy and perform at a high level. This approach will allow him to evaluate the squad more thoroughly before making any major decisions in the transfer market.
As the new season progresses, it will be interesting to see how Amorim’s choices affect United’s long-term strategy. The club’s recruitment will undoubtedly be a key aspect of his success at Old Trafford, with the need for a well-balanced squad essential to achieving the objectives set out by the new manager. If Fernandez returns to the club, he could be the first step in a broader rebuild under Amorim, one that looks to bring youth, energy, and stability to a squad that has struggled in recent years.
In conclusion, while Manchester United initially entertained the idea of signing Danilo, Ruben Amorim and Darren Ashworth have instead chosen to prioritize younger, more fitting targets like Alvaro Fernandez. With the buy-back clause in place, United have a strong chance of bringing Fernandez back to Old Trafford next summer, and his potential return could solve their left-back issues for the foreseeable future. While Malacia and Shaw’s injury struggles remain a concern, Amorim is focused on building a squad capable of long-term success, with a careful approach to player acquisitions that aligns with his broader vision for the club.