Manchester United may have to brace for competition from Premier League clubs for the signature of a La Liga winner, with Ruben Amorim keen to rebuild his attack.
Manchester United may have to be braced for competition from a number of Premier League clubs for Real Betis winger Jesus Rodriguez.
The Red Devils somehow managed to advance into the semi-finals of the Europa League after beating Lyon 5-4 on Thursday night, winning their quarter-final tie 7-6 on aggregate.
Harry Maguire scored the winner in the second half of extra time, with boss Ruben Amorim utilising him as an auxiliary striker in the dying moments of the game.
The fact that United had to resort to using Maguire in the forward line will be concerning to the Portuguese manager, and it would not be surprising if he looked to upgrade his side’s attacking options in the summer.
However, Fichajes report that Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool are all interested in Real Betis winger Rodriguez, who is said to be a target of United.
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Jesus Rodriguez in profile
The 19-year-old has only played 15 times for Real Betis this season in La Liga – starting on 11 occasions – with the 2024-25 campaign his first as a regular in and around the starting XI.
Rodriguez has only scored two goals and provided one assist in all competitions this term, but the left-winger has still averaged an impressive 2.24 shots per 90 in the league.
Perhaps United could strike a deal with Betis involving Antony, who is currently on loan at the Spanish side, with the La Liga club reportedly keen to sign him permanently.
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Would Rodriguez work under Amorim?
It is difficult to see where Rodriguez would fit into Amorim’s 3-4-3 system given the United boss prefers to utilise two attacking midfielders behind a central striker.
Perhaps the winger could be moulded into a wing-back, but it remains to be seen if the right-footed attacker could be converted to the right side of the pitch given he is more comfortable on the left.
United may also need to find a replacement for striker Rasmus Hojlund, who has only scored three goals in 27 Premier League appearances this term.
Amorim will likely be working under a stricter budget due to the club’s poor financial health, and unless Rodriguez is seen as an unmissable target, there is an argument that United may be better off not making a move for the the Spaniard.
