Ruben Amorim’s appointment as Manchester United’s new manager marks the beginning of what could be a crucial chapter in the club’s post-Erik ten Hag era.
Having made a name for himself at Sporting Lisbon, where he won two league titles in four seasons, Amorim is tasked with steering the Red Devils back to the top after a rocky start to the season. With the January transfer window fast approaching, Amorim is already working on his plans to reshape the squad, and it appears the first big move could come in the form of a highly-anticipated signing from Brazil.
According to reports, Amorim has identified Flamengo’s prodigious 18-year-old talent Lorran as his primary target for the January transfer window. The young forward has been turning heads in Brazil with his impressive performances, making 30 appearances for Flamengo this season and showcasing an eye for goal and impressive technical ability. Having emerged as one of the hottest prospects in Brazilian football, Lorran has caught the attention of several top European clubs. However, it’s Manchester United who seem to be in pole position, with Amorim reportedly instructing United’s hierarchy to move quickly to secure the player’s signature.
Lorran’s potential arrival would be a statement signing for Manchester United, especially under a new manager seeking to make his mark. Flamengo, however, are demanding a hefty price for their starlet, with the forward’s release clause set at €50m (£43m, $54.4m). While this fee is substantial, it is believed that the Brazilian club may be open to negotiations, potentially accepting a deal well below the release clause in order to secure a swift transfer.
The key to making this deal happen could lie in a swap arrangement involving United’s own winger, Antony. The Brazilian international has had a turbulent time at Old Trafford since his big-money move from Ajax, and reports suggest he could be on his way out in the near future. With United looking to revamp their squad, Amorim has reportedly deemed Antony surplus to requirements, and the winger has expressed his desire for a move. The idea of a straight swap between Antony and Lorran has gained traction, with United potentially offering the Brazilian to Flamengo in exchange for their starlet.
For this swap deal to come to fruition, United would likely need to cover a significant portion of Antony’s wages, which currently stand at £200,000 per week. While Flamengo may be keen on acquiring the 23-year-old forward, they would likely find it difficult to meet Antony’s wage demands, meaning United would have to step in to make the deal work. If United are prepared to cover a substantial part of Antony’s salary, it could be the key to facilitating a move that benefits both parties.
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Antony’s time at Manchester United has been marred by inconsistency and frustration. After his high-profile move from Ajax in the summer of 2022, expectations were high for the Brazilian to make an immediate impact. However, despite flashes of brilliance, Antony has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter, particularly this season under Erik ten Hag’s successor, Amorim. In fact, Antony has found himself sidelined for much of the current campaign, with just 27 minutes of Premier League action so far this season. His lack of minutes, combined with the uncertainty around his role under Amorim, has left the player feeling dissatisfied with his situation at United.
Reports suggest that Antony is seeking talks with the new manager to clarify his future at the club. The winger is reportedly unhappy with his limited involvement and has made it clear that he will seek an exit if he is not given assurances regarding his playing time under Amorim. Given that the new manager is likely to make sweeping changes to the squad, it seems that Antony may not be part of his long-term plans.
This revelation has put Manchester United in a difficult position. Despite his €81m price tag, Antony has failed to live up to expectations since his arrival, and Amorim appears ready to move on from the winger. Antony’s potential departure in 2025 would clear up valuable space in the squad, both in terms of playing time and wages. However, the challenge remains in finding a suitable destination for the player, especially given his high wages and the fact that he has struggled to establish himself as a first-choice option at United.
For Amorim, the priority will be to assess which players fit into his tactical vision and which ones he can move on from in order to make room for reinforcements. The club’s immediate focus will likely be on securing a replacement for Antony, with Lorran appearing to be a key target. His arrival would add depth and youthful energy to United’s attack, something that could provide a significant boost in the second half of the season.
However, the road to securing Lorran is not without challenges. While Flamengo may be open to negotiating a fee lower than the player’s release clause, there is still the matter of agreeing terms with the player himself and finalizing a deal with his current club. Flamengo will undoubtedly want to get the best possible deal for their starlet, and with other European clubs reportedly interested in the teenager, Manchester United will have to act quickly and decisively to seal the transfer.
In addition to Lorran, Amorim is likely to target other areas of the squad for improvement. With the January transfer window fast approaching, it is expected that Manchester United will look to strengthen in key positions in order to challenge for a top-four finish in the Premier League and make a deeper run in European competitions. Amorim’s ability to identify emerging talent, as well as his track record of developing players, will be crucial as he looks to shape the team in his image.
While Amorim has already made it clear that some players will be moved on, including Antony, he will also have to be strategic in his transfer dealings. United’s focus will likely be on building a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts, and bringing in Lorran could be the first step in a series of moves that signal the start of a new era under the Portuguese coach.
As the January transfer window looms, Manchester United fans will be hoping that Amorim can make an immediate impact both on and off the pitch. Securing Lorran would be a major coup for the club, but it will require swift negotiations and a clear vision for the future. With Antony’s exit looking increasingly likely, the stage is set for the new manager to make his mark with an exciting signing that could help propel the club back into the upper echelons of European football.
In conclusion, Ruben Amorim’s first move at Manchester United could see the club secure one of Brazil’s brightest young talents, Lorran, from Flamengo. The swap deal involving Antony could provide a mutually beneficial solution, though United will need to cover a large portion of Antony’s wages to make the deal work. With Amorim’s tactical acumen and his ability to spot emerging talent, Lorran’s arrival could mark the beginning of a promising new chapter at Old Trafford.