Man Utd now battling Atletico Madrid to sign £20m+ La Liga defender for Amorim

After another disappointing start to the season, Manchester United and INEOS have reportedly joined the race against Atletico Madrid to sign a La Liga defender.

Ratcliffe reiterates patience in Amorim project
Despite failing to win back-to-back Premier League games once in almost 12 months and struggling to take the Red Devils into European football, Ruben Amorim still has the backing of INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe. The minority owner has reiterated the need for patience, drawing comparisons with Mikel Arteta at Arsenal, who are now reaping the rewards for sticking with their man.

“Yes. That is where I would be. Three years. Because football is not overnight. We have to be patient. We have a long-term plan. It isn’t a light switch.

“You can’t run a club like Manchester United on knee-jerk reactions to some journalist who goes off on one every week.” (Sir Jim Ratcliffe on Amorim)

That suggests that even defeat against Sunderland would not have put Amorim’s job at risk and the former Sporting Club boss must now repay that faith.

The manager, himself, has remained just as stubborn in his decisions – refusing to change what many believe to be a broken system. He told reporters earlier this season: “So it’s not the system. It’s the small details, the way we play the game.

“And I understand what people think. ‘What would this team be in a different system?’ I don’t know. Maybe this team would win more games. But if we don’t change certain things, we are not going to win titles whether we change to 4-3-3 or 4-4-2.”

The task for INEOS in the face of Amorim’s stubborness is handing the United boss the reinforcements he needs to get his system going and that should make 2026 interesting. Reports are already suggesting that they could go for one La Liga star.

Man Utd join David Affengruber race
According to reports in Spain, Man United are now battling Atletico Madrid to sign David Affengruber. The Elche centre-back has become an unexpected star in Spain’s top flight so far this season, helping his side rise to as high as seventh. Now, INEOS are reportedly fans of his ability and have eyed a 2026 move to secure his signature.

The Man United owners could land a fairly cheap deal, too. Although Elche are set to demand over €25m (£22m) to sell their defender next year, their final price is unlikely to reach an absurd amount given their place in the football food chain.

League stats 25/26

David Affengruber

Matthijs de Ligt

Minutes

663

630

Progressive Passes

Ball Recoveries

Tackles Won

When compared to Matthijs de Ligt, Affengruber’s quality becomes even clearer. The 24-year-old has been excellent both in and out of possession this season and should represent a serious option for Man United if he continues his current form.

De Ligt, meanwhile, represents another big-money player who’s struggling to impress at Old Trafford and getting him back to his best form should be among Amorim’s top priorities.