Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has reportedly pinpointed his top transfer target for the January window: left-back Nuno Mendes. Due to Financial Fair Play (FFP) restrictions, United will have limited funds available for new signings, making it essential to offload players before pursuing major acquisitions.
One high-profile player linked with a potential exit is Marcus Rashford. AC Milan is said to be preparing a loan proposal for Rashford, including covering his substantial £350,000-per-week wages. This move would create space for Amorim to seek a replacement, with reports from The Athletic’s David Ornstein indicating that he is considering a loan for Randal Kolo Muani from Paris Saint-Germain.
However, Kolo Muani is not Amorim’s primary target. According to The Telegraph, he is keen on bringing Mendes to Old Trafford. Mendes, who made his professional debut under Amorim at Sporting Lisbon, has played impressively for PSG since joining in the summer of 2022. His current contract runs until 2026, but he has not yet agreed to terms on an extension, leading to speculation about his future.
While Mendes is recognized as one of the most promising young left-backs in European football, United must be cautious of his injury history. As reported by Transfermarkt, he has missed 58 games due to injury since the start of the 2022/23 season, with 44 of those attributed to a severe hamstring issue.
Reports also suggest that Mendes is “not indifferent” to the prospect of a move to Manchester United, potentially creating an opportunity for Amorim to act in the upcoming transfer window.