Manchester United’s investment has often been wasted under Erik ten Hag, with the Dutchman spending money on players who simply aren’t up to par in the Premier League.
Antony is the perfect example of a talent not being good enough for a team struggling to make the top four in the English Premier League, subsequently falling down the pecking order under Ruben Amorim.
The Brazilian cost a whopping £86 million in the summer of 2022, with real expectations of a transformation of the club’s attack, but has since failed to deliver on his promises – having played just seven times since the 39-year-old’s arrival.
He has since been touted for his departure from Old Trafford this window, with Real Betis is just one of the potential destinations for the attacker, which could generate funds.
If he left, Amorim could use any money to target a player who recently appeared on their radar in recent days.
Man United plot move for Premier League midfielder
According to Football Insider, Man United monitors Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Joao Gomes ahead of possible January deal.
However, they are not alone in the race for the 23-year-old, with English rivals Liverpool also in the hunt for the talented youngster this month.
Gomes has featured in 19 Premier League matches Throughout the 2024/25 season, he has only missed one match due to suspension, cementing himself as a key player in the West Midlands.
The report claims that both clubs were spotted scouting the former Flamengo star, earning him numerous call-ups to the Brazilian national team.
Although no fee has been mooted for a possible move to Old Trafford, Vitor Pereira will undoubtedly not want to part ways with one of his key players, but he could prove to be an upgrade on a player who currently plies his trade in the North West. .
Why Gomes would be an upgrade over Casemiro for Man United
Martin Zubimendi has also been mentioned as another potential name on the Red Devils midfielder shortlist in recent weeks – looking to bring additional quality to the Amorim team.
However, the emergence of his imminent move to Premier League rivals Arsenal has dashed their chances of signing the Spaniard in the near future.
Undoubtedly, news of his possible move will spark interest in a move for Gomes, with the compatriot providing competition and an upgrade over current star Casemiro.
The Brazilian joins £70m deal from Real Madrid in the summer of 2022, but has declined rapidly in recent months, showing signs that he is reaching the end of his career at the highest level.
He hasn’t played since the Carabao Cup defeat to Newcastle United, he seems far from the pace needed at the highest level, get dribbled once and dominated by Joelinton and Sandro Tonali.
The Wolves star would prove to be a huge step up from his compatriot, producing countless stats that blow him out of the water – demonstrating what a superb addition he would be to the midfield department at Old Trafford.
How Gomes compares to Casemiro in PL (2024/25) | ||
|---|---|---|
Statistics (per 90) | Gomes | Casemiro |
Games played | 19 | 14 |
Goals and assists | 3 | 1 |
Interceptions made | 0.9 | 0.8 |
Success accuracy | 84% | 79% |
Progressive ports | 1.7 | 0.3 |
Continues into the final third | 1.6 | 0.8 |
Progressive passes | 5.4 | 4.7 |
Attempts to take positions | 1.2 | 0.5 |
Statistics via FRef | ||
Gomes, who was labeled “one of the best” for pressing, by one analyst, dominated Casemiro in the aforementioned area, make more interceptions per 90 – helping the Red Devils massively lose possession.
However, in possession the Wolves ace took things to the next level, on average more progressive strokes by 90whilst managing double the number of runs into the final third – providing Amorim with an increased attacking threat from the middle of the park.
Although competition may be fierce for his signature, United must do everything they can to convince the 23-year-old to join Manchester, having all the tools to be a real success alongside Manuel Ugarte at the heart of the team.
It would also open the door for the club to cash in on the experienced Casemiro, helping them take his huge wages off the books, further fitting into the current cost-cutting exercise in place at the Theater of Dreams.
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