Manchester United is known for significant transfer spending in recent years, including approximately £600m during the tenure of former manager Erik ten Hag. It appears further investment is planned for the current transfer window.
Since taking over in November, current manager Ruben Amorim has already sanctioned nearly £100m in new signings, adding players like Patrick Dorgu and Matheus Cunha.
However, it`s clear that more funds are necessary this window if the club aims to improve its Premier League position and avoid repeating last season`s disappointing 15th-place finish.
The Red Devils have not won a league title in over a decade, a challenge Amorim is tasked with overcoming. This transformation is widely expected to be a long-term project.
To support the 40-year-old manager in the market, significant spending will be required, leading to various players being linked as potential targets this summer.
United`s Summer Transfer Pursuits
Recently, striker Ollie Watkins has emerged as a potential recruit, following reports of United contacting Aston Villa about the England international.
Watkins isn`t the only forward on their radar; discussions have also reportedly taken place with Chelsea regarding a move for French attacker Christopher Nkunku.
Furthermore, significant work has been done in the midfield department. According to a Spanish source, the Red Devils are making considerable progress on a deal for PSG`s Fabian Ruiz.
The report claims that Amorim`s team has submitted a €50m (£43m) offer for the Spanish international, who won the Champions League with Luis Enrique`s side last season.
It is also suggested that the 29-year-old might be open to a potential move to Old Trafford, where the club`s leadership views him as a crucial element for future success.
How Fabian Ruiz Could Complement Bryan Mbeumo
Bryan Mbeumo is another player who has been a prominent target for United in recent weeks, with his transfer saga currently ongoing.
The Brentford star has reportedly been the subject of two separate bids from Amorim`s side. Their latest offer of £55m plus £7.5m in add-ons was reportedly rejected by Brentford.
Despite scoring 20 league goals last season, the Cameroonian forward has previously expressed a desire to move to Old Trafford, although he could still remain at Brentford beyond the current transfer window.
Another bid from the Red Devils is anticipated, which could potentially bring them closer to Brentford`s asking price and perhaps conclude their summer-long pursuit.
Given Mbeumo`s proven goal-scoring ability, he could provide the attacking threat United is seeking. His effectiveness might be significantly enhanced by the arrival of Fabian Ruiz.
Ruiz`s statistics from the 2024/25 Ligue 1 season highlight his potential to thrive alongside Mbeumo at Old Trafford. Labelled “phenomenal” by journalist Zach Lowy, he averaged 9.6 progressive passes and 2.2 progressive carries per 90 minutes, showcasing his capability to advance the ball into dangerous areas.
He also registered 1.7 key passes and completed 7.3 passes into the final third per 90, demonstrating his tools to provide opportunities for players like Mbeumo positioned ahead of him.
The Spanish midfielder is also strong defensively, winning 1.7 tackles and making 1.3 clearances per 90 minutes. This makes him an ideal box-to-box option for Amorim`s potential 3-4-2-1 system.
| Statistics (per 90) | Tally |
|---|---|
| Games played | 30 |
| Goals & assists | 9 |
| Pass accuracy | 91% |
| Progressive passes | 9.6 |
| Progressive carries | 2.2 |
| Key passes made | 1.7 |
| Passes into final third | 7.3 |
Stats via FBref
While it remains uncertain if PSG will accept the rumoured proposal for the midfielder, his attributes clearly suggest he has the potential to succeed under the 40-year-old manager at Old Trafford.
The potential partnership between Ruiz and Mbeumo at the Theatre of Dreams is an exciting prospect. It could significantly bolster the club`s attack and help them move a step closer to competing at the top of the table.
