5 transfer targets Ruben Amorim can move for as Man Utd close on Erik ten Hag's replacement

Ruben Amorin is edging close to becoming Manchester United’s new manager after Erik ten Hag’s exit and the Sporting Lisbon head coach might already have some transfers in mind

Ruben Amorim has plenty to do at Manchester United should he become the Red Devils' new manager.

The current Sporting Lisbon chief is edging towards a move to Old Trafford after the Portuguese giants confirmed a formal approach. The Red Devils have shown a willingness to pay a €10m (£8.43m) release clause written into his contract.

United chiefs might have to fork out even more in the near future to support their new manager as he attempts to turn around what has been a miserable season. And Amorim could already have a few targets in mind as he tries to mould the squad into his own message.

His approach with a 3-4-3 formation is wildly different to that of his predecessor Erik ten Hag. So, Mirror Football has taken a handful of signings Amorim could look to make when in Manchester:

Viktor Gyokeres

The first - and potentially most obvious - raid that Amorim could make on his former club is for Swedish goalscoring sensation Viktor Gyokeres. The former Brighton and Coventry hitman has been in sensational form since signing for Sporting Lisbon.

Across just 64 games for the Portuguese giants, Gyokeres boasts an eye-watering record of 57 goals. The release clause in his deal is also set to drop this summer - potentially opening the door to a move to Old Trafford.

Sure, the Red Devils are well stocked in attack after signing Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee in the past two summers but while they are promising young forwards, Gyokeres is already the finished article. United will also have to fight off a fair bit of interest.

But Amorim was a huge influence in getting him to sign for Sporting and he would certainly be the answer to their goalscoring woes. It already seems to be a no-brainer.

Will Ruben Amorim be a success at United? Share your thoughts in the comments below

Morten Hjulmand

A second current Sporting star, Denmark star Hjulmand would give the United midfield a far fresher look. Amorim’s captain in Portugal, the 25-year-old has developed into one of the best midfielders in the country.

He would immediately know what role he would need to fulfil in his manager’s system. Signing Hjulmand would also ensure that a problem position is already filled for the Red Devils.

Casemiro ’s long-term future looks far from certain at Old Trafford, while Christian Eriksen has less than a year left on his deal. Like Gyokeres, Hjulmand is unlikely to be cheap but he would immediately give Amorim some authority at United.

Antonio Silva

Sticking in Portugal but moving away from Amorim’s current employers, he could potentially look to strike a deal with their fierce rivals instead. And he would also be solving another upcoming problem at Old Trafford.

With Harry Maguire, Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof all expected to leave next summer, United will be desperate for a new centre-back. And Benfica star Antonio Silva fits the bill nicely.

The 21-year-old has a growing reputation in Portugal having already made over 100 appearances for his current club. He’s excellent in the tackle, while also being comfortable on the ball, so looks ready-made for Amorim’s system.

In Silva and Leny Yoro, United would already have two of the most promising centre-backs in world football. Again though, he would likely cost an eye-watering sum.

Alphonso Davies

Given the system that Amorim likes to employ, it’s about time that the Red Devils target some actual wingbacks - and one could be available very soon. Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies is out of contract at the end of the season and is already being chased by a host of clubs.

The Canadian is being eyed by Real Madrid and Barcelona, while United are already waiting in the wings should the two Spanish giants fail to strike a deal. And should they manage it, the Red Devils would be getting one of the most effective defenders of the modern era.

The 23-year-old has already racked up over 200 appearances for Bayern, while winning everything there is to win in Germany. His pace would completely transform United’s left-side, where they really should move on from Luke Shaw given his constant injury issues.

Jeremie Frimpong

Moving over to the right-hand side, one of Ten Hag’s former targets could prove to be a perfect addition for the Red Devils. Bayer Leverkusen defender Jeremie Frimpong is arguably one of the best wing-backs in world football right now.

Since arriving at the German side from Celtic, he already has 64 goal contributions to his name. He was also key to Leverkusen lifting their first-ever Bundesliga title last season.

Frimpong is of course no stranger to Manchester having graduated from Manchester City 's academy. The now 23-year-old never made an appearance for the Sky Blues, so it would be even more satisfying for the Red Devils should he become a key player for them in the near future.

With just under four years remaining on his contract in Germany, it would be another expensive deal to do. But Frimpong’s arrival would be another major step to give Amorim the backing he needs.

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.