Man Utd re-enter race to sign Nations League winner who wanted to join them in 2023

Manchester United are reportedly interested in bolstering their midfielder with a newly-crowned Nations League winner who has been deemed a 'cost-effective' option.

Despite the club's worst season for half a century, Ruben Amorim has retained the full backing of United's hierarchy and will be handed a transfer budget of just under £100 million this summer, report The Guardian.

It is expected to be a busy window for United. In fact, they have already completed the much-anticipated signing of Matheus Cunha.

The Brazilian forward, who scored 15 league goals for Wolves last season, will sign a five-year deal with an option to extend until 2031, according to Fabrizio Romano, who suggests Vitor Pereira's side will receive £62.5 million for the player via instalments.

Bryan Mbeumo has also decided he wants to join United, with the Reds opening talks with Brentford as they pursue an agreement to sign the in-form Cameroon international, who notched 20 goals and seven assists in 38 Premier League appearances in 2024/25.

A number of other potential targets have emerged in recent weeks, including Manchester City midfielder James McAtee, with The Mirror claiming that the club 'continue to circle' around a potential deal for the 22-year-old.

United are 'interested' in landing Bayern Munich and Portugal midfielder

Back in May 2024, when then-Sporting manager Ruben Amorim was being linked with a move to Old Trafford, the Portuguese coach said he "loved" managing Joao Palhinha, who would later express his admiration for Amorim after he took the job at Old Trafford.

"I wish him all the best," he said. "It's a big step for him and he deserves it. As a former team-mate and friend, I wish him all the best and much success."

Palhinha was being tracked by United in 2023 and according to The Athletic, the midfielder was 'keen on the idea of a move'. But they eventually opted to sign Sofyan Amrabat on a season-long loan deal from Fiorentina.

Now, it appears United have re-entered the race to sign the player, who struggled for game time at Bayern Munich last season following his summer move from Fulham, which was worth £42.3 million plus £4.2 million in add-ons.

Palhinha is viewed as a 'cost-effective' option to add 'steel and experience' to their midfielder, according to TeamTalk, who claimed United are interested.

Palhinha was part of Portugal's squad that won the 2025 Nations League. Image credit: Getty

The 29-year-old started just nine times in all competitions for Bayern last season.

Speaking to Sky reporter Patrick Berger, Palhinha said he would only stay at the club if he was given more chances to prove himself. "I still have three years left on my contract here at Bayern," he said.

"I have to talk to the coach and sporting director about whether I'll get my chance here. If not, then we'll see."

As he spoke to the media on Monday, Palhinha was also asked about his future amid the ongoing transfer speculation.

"My future involves catching a plane now," he said, as per Record. "Right now I just want to return to Portugal, show this medal to my children and enjoy it with my family."