Manchester United linked with a surprise move for Juventus star in January: Reports
Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing Juventus and Brazil captain Danilo in the upcoming transfer window. The Red Devils are eager to strengthen their defensive options and view bringing Danilo to the club as a short-term solution.
Following a turbulent start to the season, which sees United currently sit 13th in the Premier League, Erik ten Hag was dismissed, with Sporting CP coach Ruben Amorim set to take over. The Portuguese manager will join the club on November 11 and will manage his first game against Ipswich Town after the international break.
Manchester United signed Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro, and Noussair Mazraoui in the summer to bolster their defensive depth, but injuries have continued to pose problems. Yoro, who joined for a reported fee of €62 million, has yet to play while both Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia remain on the sidelines.
As a result, Diogo Dalot and Mazraoui have each played a substantial number of games this season in the full-back position. According to Juve Live, new head coach Amorim is interested in 33-year-old Danilo, who he believes could strengthen United’s defensive options.
The Brazilian can play as both a full-back and a center-back in a back three, a system Amorim has frequently used at Sporting CP.
Additionally, Danilo is an experienced player who has represented Porto, Real Madrid, and United’s rivals Manchester City. During his two-year spell at City under Pep Guardiola, Danilo won six trophies, including two Premier League titles.
Currently, he remains a key player for Juventus under Thiago Motta, having made nine appearances this season. His contract with the Italian club expires in the summer of 2025, which may prompt Juventus to sell him for a fee rather than risk losing him on a free transfer next summer.
Bruno Fernandes shares his opinion on new Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim
Manchester United skipper Bruno Fernandes has struggled this season, having scored just once in the Premier League. Nevertheless, he is expected to play a crucial role under Ruben Amorim.
Fernandes previously played for Sporting CP before joining the Red Devils in early 2020. Amorim arrived at Sporting that same year and has since transformed the club’s fortunes. Reflecting on Amorim’s impact, Fernandes shared a positive view of United’s new head coach.
“I am a big fan of Sporting and watch a lot of their games. Ruben Amorim brought the excitement back to the club - it was a little bit split when he came [to Sporting]. He transformed everything and brought everyone together,” he told BBC Sport (via GOAL)
Manchester United have slightly turned their fortunes around following Ten Hag’s dismissal. Under interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, they have won two games while securing a point against Chelsea. The Red Devils will next face Leicester City in the Premier League on Sunday, November 10, ahead of Amorim’s arrival.